Why you might need stitches
Many mums need stitches after labour, whether it’s because of a caesarean an episiotomy (the name for a surgical cut in your perineum), or a tear.
Studies show that you’re less likely to need stitches if you give birth in water but every labour and delivery is different and there’s no way of telling for certain.
How long will they take to heal?
It tends to take between 2 and 4 weeks for your skin to heal but everyone is different and you may find it takes longer. The stitches will dissolve on their own, which can take between 2 and 12 weeks, depending on the type of stitching. You should discuss this with your doctor before giving birth.
The important thing is to look after them and keep the area clean to allow your body to heal without any problems, such as infections.
Tips to help you heal faster after giving birth
- Take it easy – keep your physical activity to a minimum.
- Do pelvic floor exercises as often as you can. This will increase the blood flow to the area and encourage healing.
- Stay clean and keep the area dry - a good way to give yourself a quick wash is with a spray bottle full of water. Give yourself a squirt a few times a day and dry yourself gently.
- Make sure any sanitary pads don’t rub against your stitches and change them regularly.
- Try using an ice pack covered in a cloth, but only for a few minutes at a time. They can be helpful to reduce swelling but they can also reduce blood flow to the area if used for too long.
- Stay regular – eating a healthy diet with plenty of fibre and staying hydrated with lots of water will make you less likely to strain when you go to the toilet.
If your stitches feel too tight or you think you may have an infection, let your health care professional know as soon as possible so they can make sure everything’s ok.