Incision Care After Vaginal Birth

Gently wipe or pat dry from front to back after you urinate or have a bowel movement.

After wiping, spray warm water on the stitches. Pat dry. If you are too sore, just spray the area after urination and then pat dry without wiping. 

Don't use soap or any solution except water unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

Change sanitary pads at least every 2 to 4 hours.

Eat fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and bran cereals.

Drink plenty of water.

Don’t strain to have a bowel movement.

Ask your healthcare provider about using a stool softener.

Sit in a warm bath (sitz bath).

Place cold packs or heat packs on your stitches. Keep a thin towel between the pack and your skin.

Sit on a firm seat so the stitches pull less.

Use medicated spray as ordered by your healthcare provider.

Heavy or gushing bleeding from the vagina

Discharge that has a bad odor

Severe pain in the belly or increased pain near your stitches

If your episiotomy or tear opens

Fever or chills

No bowel movement within 1 week after the birth of your baby

Pain or urgency with urination, or inability to urinate