Contents
Suturing is sometimes simply inevitable in the process of delivery. Doctors may perform surgery (caesarean section or episiotomy) or stitches for tears. ” Healthy Food Near Me”, together with the gynecologist, understands what complications are possible and what are the rules for caring for stitches after childbirth.
How long does it take for stitches to heal after childbirth?
Childbirth is a complex process. And things don’t always go smoothly. Tears, episiotomy, or even a full-fledged surgical intervention (caesarean section) are possible. All this requires suturing. Of course, only women who have given birth are interested in how long they will heal.
When performing a caesarean section, 2 types of sutures are applied (1):
- internal fix the edges of the dissection on the wall of the uterus,
- external fix the skin of the abdominal wall.
一 The process of suture healing during any intervention is directly related to the size of the wound surface, the correctness of care in the recovery period, the general condition of the woman’s body, the methods and materials used for suturing, 一 says obstetrician-gynecologist with experience Alina Zhilich.
Internal seams
With internal tears, sutures are placed on the cervix, the walls of the vagina are sutured. Pain during suturing is minimal because anesthesia is used. With a small intervention – local, with extensive gaps – general.
一 When suturing the perineum, self-absorbable threads can be used 一 it will take about two weeks to heal, on average 7-10 days, says Alina Zhilina. – They do not require maintenance and are not removed after healing. They dissolve on their own, leaving a small scar.
External seams
External tears in the perineum and labia are most often sutured with non-absorbable sutures. They need proper care and must be removed after a while.
一 Non-absorbable threads are removed at the maternity hospital before discharge (5-7 days after birth), – explains doctor Alina Zhilich.
Why do stitches hurt after childbirth
The soreness of the seams is due to the fact that the integrity of the tissues is violated. Their deep layers are damaged, as well as nerve endings. At first, the pain is felt during movement. The seams are stretched, creating discomfort. However, discomfort disappears after about a week, as the tissues are gradually restored. In this case, itching, tightness, a slight burning sensation appear.
The soreness of the sutures depends on the degree of intervention. For example, with a caesarean section, the incision is approximately 10 centimeters in length, and in the perineal region (with episiotomy) it does not exceed three. In case of breaks, the length may be different. It is important to consider the woman’s susceptibility to pain. For some, the pain disappears after a few days, while others experience it for several months. If the pain is severe or does not go away for a long time, you should consult a doctor.
How many sutures dissolve after childbirth
The time of resorption of the seam directly depends on the material of which the threads are composed.
- Catgut. Dissolves from 30 to 120 days, depending on the thickness and site of application.
- Lavsan. Resolves from 10 to 50 days.
- Vicryl. Resolves from 60 to 90 days.
一 Usually the incision heals without complications, leaving only a small scar on the skin, which becomes invisible over time. But sometimes healing is delayed or complicated by inflammation (for example, inflammation in the vagina before childbirth, which they did not manage to treat in time). Then the pain and swelling intensify or the soreness in the suture area does not go away for a long time, a feeling of pulsation, fullness appears, sometimes purulent discharge may appear. That’s when you need to immediately consult a doctor, he will look at the seam and prescribe treatment, 一 explains Alina Zhilich.
How to handle stitches after childbirth
Care instructions are given by the doctor. The most important thing is to be hygienic and wear suitable underwear (2). To avoid complications, gynecologist Alina Zhilich advises:
- carefully monitor intimate hygiene (change postpartum pads every 3-4 hours), arrange air baths 2-3 times a day,
- do not wear synthetic underwear,
- treat seams with chamomile solutions, chlorhexidine, miramistin.
After a caesarean section, a sterile dressing is applied to the wound, which is changed every day. To prevent the development of infections, the seam is treated with antiseptics. Initially, this is done in the maternity hospital, then 一 independently. After removing the sutures, subject to normal healing, the treatment can be stopped after 10-15 days.
Popular questions and answers
– non-compliance with bed rest,
– early boarding
– weight lifting
– infection
– poor hygiene
– wearing the wrong underwear
– early onset of sexual activity,
– abrupt movements.
– constipation.
Internal seams diverge rarely. This is possible with premature intercourse or similar interventions. If you have any suspicions or discomfort, you should contact a gynecologist. Depending on the situation, the doctor will re-suture or recommend treatment.
一 Sitting on both buttocks after an episiotomy is not allowed for two weeks. It is possible to sit on one of the buttocks or on special seat pads, they are sold in pharmacies. The child will also need to be fed lying down, explains obstetrician-gynecologist Alina Zhilich.
After discharge, you should go home in a reclining position. It is desirable to begin to fully sit down on hard chairs and only then – on comfortable and soft chairs. With other interventions, you can sit without restrictions.
After each visit to the toilet, you need to wash the external genitalia and gently blot the perineum (do not use terry towels, paper towels are better).
It is important that the stool is daily and not dense (especially the first stool after childbirth). With a delay in stool, it is possible to use a laxative candle or a cleansing enema. It is important to be attentive to nutrition, take laxative foods (kefir, ayran, vegetable oils).
Also, you can not strain in the process of going to the toilet to avoid complications.
Therefore, for a woman, the support and understanding of a partner is extremely important. With excessive dryness of the vagina, you can use special lubricants. But the most important thing is not to rush.
Sources of
- Surgical technique of caesarean section. Strizhakov A.N., Baev O.R./2007
- Obstetrics and gynecology. Kulakov V.I. /2006
- Practical skills in obstetrics. Tskhai V.B./2007