Postpartum Perineal Care
Postpartum Perineal Care OverviewThe perineum is the anatomic area between the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder, and the anus. In women, the perineum includes the vaginal opening. This area undergoes a lot of stress and change during pregnancy and delivery, and it needs special care afterward. Some women have a surgical cut called an episiotomy when they deliver a baby. It is sometimes done to speed up a delivery. An episiotomy is a clean cut, rather than a tear, so it may heal better. Sometimes the skin tears anyway and needs suturing. Some women perform perineal massage during their pregnancy to try to prevent some of the pain and other problems after delivery. This method has not been shown to lessen or prevent any of the symptoms experienced after delivery. Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 9/8/2015
Medical Author:
Medical Editor:
Next Page: |
From 
Pregnancy and Parenting Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Pregnancy, Postpartum Infections »
Emergency physicians are increasingly concerned about postpartum patients who come to the ED with a fever or evidence of infection.
