Your scar is also healing

Whether you had a vaginal birth with stitches in your perineum or a caesarean, your body has begun an extraordinary healing process. In the first few days, you may feel some discomfort, sensitivity or a slight pulling sensation. Day after day, the tissues will regenerate and regain their strength.

If your stitches are in the perineum, they are usually absorbed naturally over about two weeks. After every bath or intimate wash, dry the area well. Many women feel more comfortable using a hairdryer on the cool setting, which helps keep the skin dry and can make recovery more comfortable. If your scar is from a caesarean, there are different types of stitches, but in most cases, the skin is healed by around 9 days.

Remember that a clean, dry scar heals better. You don't need to wash it in any special way: daily washing with water and a mild soap is usually enough. Wear comfortable clothes that don't put too much pressure on the scar area and give your body time to recover.

Contact SNS 24 or your healthcare professional if the scar becomes very red, swollen, more painful, or if there is any pus, a bad smell, fever or a general feeling of being unwell. These signs can indicate an infection and should be assessed.

The skin may heal in a few days, but the full recovery of the tissues happens much more slowly. Therefore, even if the scar looks good, continue to respect your body's pace and avoid unnecessary strain in the first few weeks.