Stitches and swelling

Most first time moms-to-be are apprehensive about the thought of giving birth vaginally and often spend lots of time worrying that they (in contrast to the rest of the female population) might possess the vagina that makes childbirth impossible.

It’s not an entirely unreasonable fear…  a whole baby gets through there? Unhelpful comments about watermelons don’t help ease these anxieties, nor does the fact that women who’ve previously gone through labor seem to be afflicted by a selective amnesia.

Before the birth

If you’re concerned about damage being done to your vagina, rest assured this is a perfectly normal fear. There are three factors that will affect how much your vagina is affected by childbirth. The first is the natural swelling and bruising that occurs in labor; the second is that you may tear; and the third is that you might have an episiotomy (a cut made to enlarge the vaginal opening so your baby can be delivered more easily).

The good news is that you can prepare your vagina for the impending labor and this can help avert a tear and prevent the need for an episiotomy during the second stage of labor. One of the first things you should aim for is to give birth in an upright position. You’ll need to strengthen your body for this, as keeping upright and active through contractions can be tiring. An active birth style yoga class can help you learn which positions help to ease which stage of labor.

Perineal massage can also help make your vaginal area more supple and flexible, which help prevent a tear or an episiotomy. Your perineum is located just below your vagina and just above your rectum, and is a stretchy piece of skin. Make sure your hands are clean and any jagged nails are trimmed beforehand. Apply olive oil or sweet almond oil (don’t use any mineral-based oils, such as petroleum jelly) to the base of your vagina and your thumbs and insert your thumbs into your vagina as far as the first knuckle. Now gently massage and stretch the tissues until you feel a slight burning sensation. Repeat the procedure every day.

After the birth

After the birth, you’re bound to feel a little sore in the genital area, thanks to all the pushing and pulling of muscle and tissue, but there are several things you can do to help alleviate these symptoms.

If you’ve had an episiotomy, you may be given pain relief medication that you should take. If your vagina feels very painful, you might like to use an ice-pack on the area, to help combat the symptoms. Adding lavender oil to your bathwater may help the healing process and many complementary health practitioners recommend using hypercal tincture, which is a combination of hypericum and calendula, and eases bruising. Start doing your Kegel exercises as they will increase blood flow to your pelvic area and this also helps with healing.

Don’t resume sexual relations with your partner until you feel ready. If you’ve had an episiotomy, don’t make love before your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife gives you the all-clear. The first time is bound to be nerve-wracking, so take it slowly and gently. It’s important that you’re well-lubricated (you may feel a little drier than normal in the vaginal area) so invest in a lubricating cream or gel the first time you try sex again and use it until your hormone balance is restored.

And finally, don’t despair. In next to no time, your body will be back to normal again.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.