Your vagina goes through trauma after delivery and will need to recover after the process. This usually takes from 6-8 weeks after delivery, depending on how your delivery was. Let’s take a closer look at your recovery, post-partum.
Common Injuries to Your Vagina
These include;
- Distortion of vagina and perineum. (Area between vagina and anus)
- Heaviness or dragging feeling in vagina
- Pain in the vagina and perineum
- Changes in appearance in one or both labia
- Pain in the area that an episiotomy was done.
Ways to Help Your Vagina Heal Properly After Delivery
- Help your perineum to heal by icing it every couple of hours post-delivery. Splash your vagina with some water before going to wee. This will stop urine from irritating the perineum.
- Use a sitz bath for 20min to help ease the pain.
- If you have aches and pains take a painkiller that is safe for you and your baby. Heating pads or hot showers can also help.
- Do frequent kegel exercises. This is a brilliant way to get your vagina back in shape and also help in reducing postpartum urinary incontinence.
- If you underwent an episiotomy be gentle on your stitches by following any instructions that your doctor or midwife gave concerning its care.
- Consume lots of fiber to help with poop as added pressure and constipation can be rather uncomfortable for a healing perineum.
- Attend your follow up visit from your doctor.
Warning Signs.
If you notice the following visit your doctor.
- Redness, swelling or pus oozing from the incision site
- Pain around the site
- Fever of more than 38 degrees centigrade
- Chest pain
- Difficulty in breathing
- Bad smelling discharge from your vagina
- Depressive mood that has lasted for more than four days
- Redness or painful swelling on your leg, this could be a sign of a blood clot.
Healing is a process and with proper care and time you will be back to your normal self. Being patient is the best advice anyone could give.
Disclaimer:
Please note that development differs from one child to another.
Content intended for educational purposes only, and not a substitute for medical advice from your doctor.
Be careful when using any products mentioned on this website. We hold no regulations for such products or their providers.
Last reviewed April 2019
Sources: healthline, mayoclinic, thebump
