Table of Contents
What Is an Episiotomy?
An episiotomy is a small surgical cut made in the perineum — the area between the vagina and anus — during the final stage of vaginal delivery. It is done to enlarge the vaginal opening and help the baby pass through more easily, especially in:
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First-time births
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Fast deliveries
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Forceps or vacuum-assisted births
At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s maternity clinic in Lucknow, episiotomy is only considered when medically necessary, not routinely. The goal is always to support natural, gentle birth experiences whenever possible.
What Are Perineal Tears?
Sometimes, as the baby is being born, the skin and tissues around the vagina may tear naturally — this is called a perineal tear. It is graded from:
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First-degree (mild) to
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Fourth-degree (more complex, involving muscle or rectal tissues)
Many women experience mild tears that heal on their own, while others may require stitches. These are common, manageable, and completely treatable with proper care.
When and Why Are They Performed or Occur?
Episiotomies or tears may happen when:
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The baby is large
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Labour is prolonged or too fast
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Assisted delivery tools are used
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The perineal tissue is not stretching fast enough
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There is fetal distress and delivery needs to be quick
Every birth is unique. At our clinic, we prepare women with perineal massage guidance during pregnancy, which may help lower the chance of tears or the need for an episiotomy.
Healing After an Episiotomy or Tear
The recovery experience depends on:
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The degree of the tear or cut
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Whether stitches were needed
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Your body’s healing pace
Most women heal well within 2–4 weeks. Some may experience mild discomfort, especially when sitting, urinating, or during bowel movements in the early days. Keeping the area clean, dry, and free from infection is key.
How to Care for Stitches
Whether from an episiotomy or a tear, stitches are usually dissolvable and do not need to be removed. For safe healing:
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Wash the area with warm water after using the toilet
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Use a perineal bottle or gentle stream to cleanse
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Avoid scrubbing or harsh soaps
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Change sanitary pads frequently
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Air out the area when possible to speed healing
Dr. Richa Gangwar and her team provide clear post-delivery instructions and help track healing at every postpartum visit.
Pain Relief and Comfort Measures
To ease soreness:
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Use warm sitz baths once or twice daily
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Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling
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Use doctor-approved pain relievers if needed
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Sit on a soft cushion or donut pillow
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Avoid heavy lifting or strain during bowel movements — fibre and water help!
Healing is not just physical — it also involves emotional reassurance. Feeling discomfort is normal, but prolonged pain or infection signs should be addressed immediately.
Sexual Health & Intimacy After Recovery
It’s normal to feel nervous or unsure about intimacy after childbirth, especially with stitches involved. Most doctors recommend waiting around 6 weeks post-delivery, but more importantly — wait until you feel emotionally and physically ready.
Some women may experience:
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Dryness or sensitivity
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Fear of pain
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Lower libido from hormonal changes or fatigue
With time, patience, and sometimes pelvic floor physiotherapy, intimacy can become comfortable and enjoyable again. At our clinic, we offer non-judgmental counselling if these concerns persist.
Final Thoughts: Gentle Healing Matters
An episiotomy or tear does not define your birth story — how you heal, feel, and are supported afterwards does.
At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s maternity clinic in Lucknow, we believe that every mother deserves:
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Informed care before birth
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Safe hands during delivery
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Kind, respectful healing after
If you’ve had a perineal tear or episiotomy, you are not alone. With proper care, your body will recover — and your strength, comfort, and confidence will return.
