Question

What are nursing interventions to promote healing of the perineal area after a vaginal delivery and the incision following a cesarean delivery?

Answer 1

Ans) Nursing Intervention:

• Ice packs
Applying ice packs to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling. Many drugstores sell ice packs that resemble sanitary pads and can be worn in your underwear.

If you use an ice pack, cover it with a clean cloth to protect your skin from the cold. You shouldn’t use an ice pack for more than 20 minutes at a time, as it can cause nerve damage.

• Stool softeners
Your healthcare provider may prescribe a stool softener or recommend an over-the-counter stool softener, such as docusate sodium (Colace). This will reduce your need to strain when you have a bowel movement. You shouldn’t resist a bowel movement if you feel the urge to go, as it can lead to constipation.

• Staying clean and dry
Your healthcare provider will likely provide you with a squeeze bottle or sitz bath so you can keep your perineal area moist and clean after delivery.

You can put lukewarm water in a squeeze bottle and use it as a rinse after going to the bathroom. Sitz baths are small, plastic tubs that fit over a toilet bowl. You can fill the bath with lukewarm water and sit in it for a few minutes to cleanse your skin.

• Rest
It’s hard to rest when you have a new baby but avoiding strenuous exercise can help you heal. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend that you avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks after giving birth. Accept help from family and friends who offer and stay off your feet as much as possible.

Avoiding products and activities that can worsen your symptoms
You should try to avoid the following:

salt baths
talcum powder and perfumed lotions
applying hot water or hot packs to your perineal area
squatting to keep from stretching your skin too much
sexual activity until healing is complete
tampons, but you can use pads after delivery
douches or vaginal cleansers.