How to Manage Perineal Pain After Childbirth

Childbirth is a rite of passage that brings many emotions and experiences along with it. While many families experience joy at the birth of their child, they can simultaneously experience more negative emotions. For mothers who experience perineal pain after childbirth, this can be the case. Perineal pain may be common after childbirth, but it should not be ignored. This blog will discuss what perineal pain is, its causes, and how to manage it.

Perineal pain after childbirth is a common experience for many women. The perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and the anus, and during childbirth, it stretches to accommodate the baby’s head. Depending on how the birth went, the perineum may experience tears, abrasions, or lacerations which can result in pain and discomfort. The pain can range from mild to severe, and it can affect a woman’s ability to move around and care for her newborn.

There are several causes of perineal pain after childbirth. The most common cause is perineal injury which occurs when the perineum tears or is cut during delivery (episiotomy). Perineal injury can range from a small tear that heals quickly to a more extensive tear that requires stitches. Other causes of perineal pain include hemorrhoids, vaginal infections, and inflammation.

The good news is that there are several ways to manage perineal pain after childbirth. The first step is to talk to your healthcare provider, who can help you determine the cause of the pain and recommend appropriate treatment options. Pain management strategies include medication, ice packs, herbal sitz baths, perineal balms, and perineal massage. Medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Ice packs and sitz baths can also help reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain. Perineal balms can promote healing and increase tissue resilience. Perineal massage, which involves gently massaging the perineum to accelerate healing and decrease scar tissue, can also help reduce perineal pain.

Prevention is always better than cure, and this is especially true when it comes to perineal pain after childbirth. There are several things that women can do to reduce the risk of perineal trauma during delivery. One of the most effective ways is perineal massage. Perineal massage involves gently stretching the perineum in the weeks leading up to delivery, which can help reduce the risk of tearing during delivery. Women can also try different birthing positions, such as kneeling or sidelying, which can help reduce the pressure on the perineum during delivery. Warm compresses can also be used during delivery to reduce the risk of perineal trauma.

In addition to physical pain, perineal pain after childbirth can also have psychological effects. Women who experience perineal pain may feel anxious, depressed, or traumatized by the experience. It is essential to talk to your healthcare provider about any emotional symptoms you may be experiencing, as they can recommend appropriate treatment options.

How to keep your pelvic floor happy when you sit courtesy of The Mama’s Physio (Read the caption)

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Overcome perineal pain after childbirth with physiotherapy

Perineal pain after childbirth can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience for many women. While pain management strategies such as medication and perineal massage can be helpful, physiotherapy can also be an effective option for treating perineal pain after childbirth.

Physiotherapy for perineal pain after childbirth involves the use of movement, exercises, hands on techniques, and brain-body strategies to help heal and re-integrate the perineal muscles. A physiotherapist will work with the patient to develop a personalized treatment plan based on the patient’s individual needs and symptoms.

One of the primary goals of physiotherapy for perineal pain after childbirth is to restore normal sensory and movement function of the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles play a critical role in supporting the pelvic organs and maintaining continence. Depending on how childbirth goes, the pelvic floor muscles may be affected, which can lead to perineal pain and other symptoms such as incontinence.

A physiotherapist can help women with perineal pain after childbirth by teaching them strategies to reconnect to their pelvic floor muscles. Another technique used in physiotherapy for perineal pain after childbirth is perineal (scar tissue) massage. Perineal massage involves the gentle manipulation of the perineal muscles to improve blood flow, promote healing, reorganize fascia, and decrease sensitivity. A physiotherapist can teach women how to perform perineal massage on themselves, or they can perform the massage for the patient.

Physiotherapy can also be helpful in treating other conditions that may be contributing to perineal pain or other symptoms after childbirth, such as pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs, such as the bladder or uterus, becomes malpositioned in the pelvic bowl. This can cause discomfort and pain in the pelvic area. A physiotherapist can work with women who are experiencing pelvic organ prolapse to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include exercises and other techniques to help improve muscle resilience and support the pelvic organs.

Finally, physiotherapy can be a valuable tool in helping women recover from perineal pain after childbirth by promoting overall physical and emotional wellbeing. Physiotherapists can provide education and support to women by offering lifestyle recommendations, such as sleep hygiene and stress reduction. They can also provide referrals to psychotherapeutic supports for women who are struggling with emotional symptoms such as anxiety or depression.

In conclusion, physiotherapy can be an effective option for treating perineal pain after childbirth. By working with a physiotherapist, women can develop a personalized treatment plan that includes exercises, massage, movement, and other techniques to improve pelvic floor muscle strength and promote healing. Physiotherapy can also be helpful in treating other conditions that may be contributing to perineal pain. Finally, by promoting overall physical and emotional wellbeing, physiotherapy can help women recover from perineal pain and enjoy the joys of motherhood.

Pelvic floor problem courtesy of The Mama’s Physio (Read the caption)

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Book Your BACK NECK SHOULDER KNEE ELBOW HIP WRIST FOOT Pain Consult

This appointment is your opportunity to tell us what hurts and discover whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care is a good fit for you! During this session, you will talk with a physiotherapist or chiropractor on a phone call (or online) and create the right care plan specifically for your pain. There is no obligation on this session is to find out whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help you getting back to doing the things you love in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is perineal pain after birth normal?

Perineal pain after birth is a common experience shared by many postpartum women. Some women do not have any perineal pain and others experience more significant perineal pain, depending on how the birth went.

How long does postpartum perineal pain last?

The duration of postpartum perineal pain varies from person to person, but most women experience it for a few days to a few weeks after delivery. A minority of women may develop persistent perineal pain.

Does perineum pain go away on its own?

Generally, yes. Perineal pain after delivery usually resolves on its own with time, rest, and proper self-care. However, if the pain persists or worsens, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.

About Ibukun Afolabi

I’m Ibbie, the friendly face behind The Mama’s Physio – and if you can’t already tell, I’m pretty passionate about all things pregnancy, birth, postnatal, and pelvic health.

My personal and professional experiences in the world of healthcare over the past 15 years have led me to one conclusion: when it comes to women’s health, especially during the perinatal phase of life, we can do better (and I mean waaaaay better). We must do better!

Medical Disclaimer:

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis, consult with a medical professional such as one suggested on this website. The Clinic Accelerator Inc. and the author of this page are not liable for the associated risks of using or acting upon the information contained in this article.

How to Manage Perineal Pain After Childbirth