Postpartum vaginal care is important for the new mom after vaginal birth. Caring for the tender area will make it feel better, heal properly, and avoid infection. You will need to do this for 1 to 3 weeks.
Image source: Shutterstock
What to do
- Ice packs can be used to relieve the pain right after you give birth.
- Pain medication might be prescribed by your doctor along with sprays or wipes that contain will ease and even numb the pain.
- You will need to use special pads to keep blood and discharge from the vagina from staining your panties.
- Check the amount and colour of the discharge from your vagina. This shows how fast you are healing. For the first 2 to 3 days after you have had your baby, the blood will be a heavy flow and dark red. Some women pass clots and blood for 3 to 5 days. From the 3rd to the 10th day, the discharge gradually becomes pink, and the flow is lighter. After that, you will have a creamy or yellowish discharge for another 1 or 2 weeks.
What to avoid
Image source: iStock
- Avoid putting anything (tampons and such) in the vagina for at least 4 weeks after delivery.
- Avoid swimming
- Avoid having a tub bath for at least 2 weeks as the cervix needs time to close after dilation.
- Avoid wiping with toilet paper after bowel movements. Instead, use a squirt bottle filled with soapy water to rinse yourself with. Avoid your perineal area.
- Avoid sex until you have seen your doctor for your postpartum visit.
When to call your doctor
Image source: iStock
- If your vaginal discharge is heavy, turns bright red or has developed a bad smell.
- You start having a high temperature.
- You have pain in the abdomen.
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