Postpartum stitches are open and easy to get infected

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Le Thi Phuong - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.
Women giving birth often not only face labor pains but also face the risk of having to make an episiotomy to bring the baby out. After this process, it seemed that all fatigue and pain had ended, but in fact, there are many cases where women have open perineal stitches and have to return to the hospital for treatment.

1. Why do you have to make an episiotomy?

In a woman's body, the perineum is about 3-5cm long, the shallow part of the pelvic floor, located in the tissue between the anus and the vagina. During childbirth, the use of episiotomy has the effect of supporting and accelerating the labor process when the mother shows signs of difficulty in labor because the fetus is too large or has pelvic stenosis, biparesis. wide. In addition, an episiotomy also makes it easier to use assisted delivery procedures such as suction or forceps.
The episiotomy procedure will be indicated in cases where the mother is at risk of tearing the anal sphincter and has signs of fetal distress, premature birth, or the baby has a large head or breech position. After the birth is over, the doctors will perform postpartum stitches for the mother. However, there are many cases where the perineal suture is open, torn, leading to a lot of bleeding, quite a lot of women feel worried and do not know what to do when encountering this situation.

2. The perineal suture is open or torn, why?

It is quite common to have a tear or opening in the birth canal (the area between the vagina and anus), due to the compression of the baby's head when trying to come out. According to statistics, up to 50% of women who give birth often have an episiotomy with a small hole after birth, the risk of tearing or opening can happen to women who give birth naturally.
Postpartum stitches, if torn or open, will be divided into 4 types: 1st degree tear (only the skin is torn); 2nd degree tear (tear both the skin and the muscle part of the vagina); 3rd degree tear (tearing close to the rectum and affecting vaginal tissues, skin, and perineal muscles); Grade 4 tear (at this time the postpartum suture is torn and cut into the muscles of the anal sphincter) - however this is rare.

Just like any other wound on the body, an open, torn perineal stitch will take 7 to 10 days to heal and the woman will have to accept the pain for a few days. the week.

3. Causes of open, torn postpartum sutures

If you take good care of your perineal stitches and get proper rest, there is less risk of complications after giving birth. The stitches will heal on their own within 2 to 3 weeks and stabilize, regaining sensation after about 1 month. Currently, for the convenience of pregnant women after giving birth and not having to cut sutures, doctors often use self-dissolving threads to suture the perineum.
In fact, not all women who give birth naturally are comfortable in the healing process of postpartum sutures. Many cases will be torn, open and the cause of this situation is due to:
The process of cleaning the private area, perineum is not guaranteed, making it difficult for the wound to recover; The new tissue in the perineum is weak after suturing, so it is easy to be injured and cause the sutures to be loose and broken; Living habits of pregnant women (usually sitting sideways, holding the baby in the wrong position, having to walk a lot...).

4. Warning signs of open, torn perineal stitches

Pregnant women will see some signs appear after the perineal suture is open or torn:
Pain and burning in the perineal area, especially when urinating; Postpartum stitches are infected, purulent, itchy, uncomfortable; Heavy bleeding or blood clots; Fever or chills; Pain in the lower abdomen; Unable to control medium.

5. Are open stitches after giving birth ominous?

Postpartum stitches, if open or torn without early detection by the mother, will increase the risk of infection and directly affect the health recovery process, causing pain and leaving scars that are very unsightly. Therefore, as soon as they notice abnormal signs, pregnant women need to go to a medical facility for timely examination and treatment.

The obstetricians and gynecologists at Vinmec are well-trained and experienced, capable of examining, consulting and treating complex obstetric and gynecological situations. For women who have problems with open stitches after giving birth, doctors will conduct an examination of the perineum and depending on each case to prescribe appropriate treatment measures.
To avoid open stitches after giving birth, pregnant women should pay attention in daily activities, exercise and hygiene, always keep the intimate area dry, change tampons often to avoid infection.

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