Episiotomy can lead to difficult diapers
If this surgical incision of the perineum aimed at facilitating the exit of the baby affects around 70% of first-time mothers nowadays, fortunately not all are too bothered by difficult childbirth. Of course, the healing period is more or less well experienced by mothers, the hypersensitivity of the incised area leading to more or less intense pain, especially when sitting. In addition to this discomfort which sometimes lasts several days, you should know that theepisiotomy can cause complications in the delivery room (postpartum hemorrhage) and perineal pain following childbirth which can last two or three months.
The scar still hurts after two months, is this normal?
Always keep in mind that childbirth is an emotional shock and a stressful experience for the body. The forces exerted on the uterus, vagina and surrounding muscles have caused extreme distension, which is the source of tears or incisions caused (such as episiotomy). If your scar has completely closed in about a month, it is not uncommon for it to remain tender for much longer.
While waiting to talk to your doctor or your gynecologist, you can massage it every day (morning and evening) with a soothing cream (such as Cicaskin®, Saugella cream®, Aderma Epithéliale®). This will soften it and gradually reduce its sensitivity.
When should perineal rehabilitation be done and with whom?
Many women suffer from urinary incontinence or admit that they no longer have sensations when having sex because of a perineum problem. Indeed, this set of muscles, ligaments and membranes which form a kind of “hammock” supposed to support the organs of the small pelvis (vagina, bladder, rectum) is sometimes severely damaged during the passage of the baby (and this especially since the weight gain was significant): the tissues which constitute it are distended and no longer have their initial tone.
About six weeks after childbirth, during the post-natal visit to the gynecologist, the latter generally prescribes about ten sessions with the physiotherapist or with a midwife to stimulate the muscles of the perineum in order to tighten them (with for consequence of re-eroticizing the vagina). The perineal rehabilitation sessions also very often the occasion for the woman to discover her perineum. By learning to contract it (vaginal touch or electro-stimulation by vaginal probe), she will stop any urinary leaks and find a fulfilling sexuality. Before leaving the maternity ward, ask the reception for a list of physiotherapists or specialized midwives.
Making love again after an episiotomy
Of course, dads are in a hurry and we understand them. But it is better to wait for complete healing (on average, three to six weeks) before attempting an approach …cesarean, healing is a little longer but often less painful than that of an episiotomy: after twenty days, intercourse is generally well experienced. Obviously, it is the gentlemen whose partner gave birth safely who are the luckiest: past the lochia (these blood losses that last about ten days and during which the cervix is wide open and therefore sensitive to the slightest infection. ), sexual activity may resume. But please, gently, because the pains due to the traction of the muscles sometimes persist for a few weeks.
Massaging her perineum
Massaging her perineum when you are pregnant helps to give it more elasticity so that it reacts better during childbirth, during the passage of the baby. The organic brand Weleda® has developed a specific massage oil for the massage of the perineum, based on essential oils and offers on his site a massage guide to download.
The very precise diagrams thus allow the mother-to-be to become aware of this particular muscle and show her how to strengthen it day after day.
Read also
All about episiotomy
Perineal rehabilitation
5 tips for proper healing
