WhatEveryWomanShouldKnowAboutEpisiotomy:Procedure,Recovery&Care

An episiotomy is a small surgical cut made at the vaginal opening during delivery, used when it can help ease the baby's passage or prevent a more severe natural tear. It isn't performed routinely for every delivery — at AMVI Hospitals, it's used selectively, based on how labour is progressing and what's genuinely needed in the moment, not as a default step.

Most women experience some soreness and swelling in the area for the first 1–2 weeks, manageable with standard pain relief, cold compresses, and keeping the area clean and dry. Gentle movement is encouraged early on, while sitting on a cushion and avoiding heavy lifting can ease discomfort in the first week. Full healing usually takes about 4–6 weeks, similar to natural tears of a comparable size.

An episiotomy itself doesn't typically affect fertility. In rare cases where complications like scar tissue or pelvic discomfort develop, these can be addressed separately with the help of fertility specialists and pelvic health support — the kind of follow-up care AMVI's broader team is equipped to provide alongside maternity care itself.

Keep the area clean with warm water after using the bathroom, pat dry rather than rubbing, and change sanitary pads frequently in the first week. Watch for signs of infection — increasing pain, foul-smelling discharge, or fever — and contact your doctor promptly if any of these appear, rather than waiting for a scheduled follow-up.

Whether your delivery was natural or assisted, postnatal recovery deserves the same attention as the pregnancy itself. AMVI Hospitals supports that recovery fully — from delivery through postnatal care, and any follow-up needs that come after, all under one roof.