Re:How do I take care of my stitches down there?
Episiotomy or other repairs of the perineum are done with internal sutures that do not have to be removed. Sometimes, there is a small knot and string down in the outer vagina but it dissolves and falls out eventually. The best way to care for an episiotomy is to avoid straining it. Take a stool softener after the birth of the baby to keep pressure off of the sutures by the straining at bowel movements.
Sometimes, the lacerated edge of the episiotomy hurts or itches a bit. Using witch hazel or Tucks pads help clean and dry out the area so that it heals faster and with less discomfort. Avoid straining with heavy lifting as well. The perineum heals after about a month or six weeks and you should avoid heavy lifting until after at least a month.
After the episiotomy is healed, one can often not even see a suture line, meaning it is well healed and you can do just about anything after that. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether or not it is healed at the six week post-birth visit.
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