In short: stitches after a normal delivery, whether from an episiotomy or a natural tear, usually dissolve on their own and heal within about a month. Keep the area clean with plain water, change pads often, use a wrapped ice pack or a cool compress for swelling, avoid straining, and ask your doctor which pain relief is safe while you are breastfeeding. Increasing pain, swelling, pus, a bad smell or fever can mean infection, and you should call your doctor the same day.
Almost every first-time mother asks the same quiet question in the hospital: “What happens to the stitches once I go home?” Nobody has time to answer properly when the baby is new and the room is full of visitors. Then you reach home, try to sit on the sofa, and realise it is going to be a very different few weeks.
Below: why stitches are needed, how long they take to heal, how to clean and sit comfortably, and which signs mean you should call a doctor. It is general information. Your own doctor or midwife knows how deep your tear or cut was, so follow their instructions first.
Why you may have stitches after a normal delivery
During a vaginal birth the skin and muscle between the vagina and anus, called the perineum, stretches a lot. Sometimes it tears on its own. Sometimes the doctor makes a small cut, an episiotomy, to make more room or to help the baby out faster. Either way, the area is repaired with stitches shortly after the placenta is delivered.
Tears are grouped into degrees. First and second degree tears involve the skin and the muscle underneath, and they are by far the most common. Third and fourth degree tears are deeper and need more specialised care and follow-up. If you were told yours was one of these, ask for written aftercare instructions, because the advice is different from what is described here.
Most stitches are dissolvable, so you do not need to return to have them removed. The RCOG says the skin part of the wound usually heals within a few weeks, the NHS says stitches should heal within about a month, and the Cleveland Clinic says most small tears heal in about two weeks while larger ones can stay uncomfortable for a month or two. Soreness, especially when walking or sitting, is normal in that time.
What healing usually feels like
The first week
Expect soreness, swelling and a pulling or stinging feeling, especially when you pass urine, sit down or stand up. Walking can feel awkward. The area may look bruised. Passing urine over the stitches can sting, which is why many hospitals advise pouring a jug of lukewarm water over the area while you pass urine.
Weeks two to four
The pain should ease noticeably. The stitches may itch or feel tight as they dissolve, and you may find small pieces of thread on your pad. That is normal. Most women can sit and walk fairly comfortably by the end of the first month, although a deep tear can take longer.
After six weeks
Your postnatal check-up is usually around six weeks. This is a good time to ask your doctor to look at the scar and to talk about sex, exercise and any ongoing pain. The NHS advises that pain lasting more than two to three weeks should be checked by a health professional.
How to care for stitches at home
Keep the area clean and dry
Wash or shower at least once a day with plain water. You do not need antiseptic liquids, scented washes or herbal powders on the stitches unless your doctor has prescribed something. Pat dry with a clean towel, and wipe from front to back after using the toilet. Change your pad every few hours, even if it does not feel full, and wash your hands before and after.
Pass urine and stool comfortably
Pour lukewarm water over the area while you pass urine to reduce stinging. When you pass stool, hold a clean pad gently against the stitches for support. It can feel odd, but it reduces the feeling of pressure. Do not strain. Raising your knees with a small stool under your feet helps your bowels open more easily. Our guide on postpartum constipation and piles has more detail, including when a laxative may help.
Ease the pain safely
Ice wrapped in a clean cloth, held against the area for a few minutes, can reduce swelling. Never put ice directly on the skin. Some women also find it helps to lie on a towel with the underwear off for ten minutes once or twice a day to let air reach the area. For medicines, paracetamol is considered safe while breastfeeding, and ibuprofen is generally thought to be safe, but ask your doctor before taking either, and avoid aspirin because it passes into breast milk. Do not buy painkillers or ointments on a relative’s advice without checking.
Sit smartly
Sit on a firm, supportive surface, with your weight on the thighs rather than the stitches. A ring cushion is sometimes used, though some doctors prefer a rolled towel or a firm pillow because a ring can sometimes stretch the area. If you are unsure, ask what suits your tear. When you feed, side-lying on the bed is often more comfortable in the first week. Our notes on breastfeeding support at home cover positions that avoid pressure.
Start gentle pelvic floor exercises
The NHS and RCOG both suggest starting pelvic floor exercises as soon as you can after birth, because the squeeze helps blood flow and healing. Do them gently, and stop if they hurt. Our guide to pelvic floor exercises after delivery explains when and how to start.
What to avoid while stitches heal
- Heavy lifting beyond the baby, and long periods of standing.
- Straining on the toilet, or holding in stool for too long.
- Tampons, menstrual cups, douching or any scented product near the area.
- Hot herbal or salt water soaks, or sitz baths with additives, unless your doctor has told you they are fine for your stitches. Plain lukewarm sitz baths are often recommended, but ask first.
- Sex before your doctor clears you. Many doctors advise waiting until bleeding has stopped and stitches have healed. See our guide to postpartum bleeding for what to expect while that settles.
Traditional care at home, such as a herbal bath or oil massage, is common in many families. Whether it suits you in the first days depends on how your stitches look and what your doctor advises. Our guide on the postnatal herbal bath, Vethukuli explains who should wait.
Signs of infection or poor healing
Contact your doctor or midwife the same day if you notice any of these:
- Pain that is getting worse instead of better after the first few days.
- Red, hot or swollen skin around the stitches.
- Pus, or a discharge that smells bad.
- A fever above 38°C, or you feel unwell and shivery.
- The wound opens, or the stitches seem to have come apart.
- Difficulty controlling wind or stool, or being unable to reach the toilet in time.
- Trouble passing urine, or severe pain when you do.
You can use a hand mirror to look at the area if you feel comfortable doing so. If you are not sure whether something looks normal, send a photo to your doctor or ask at your next visit. Early treatment of an infection is much easier than late treatment.
How support at home can help
Stitches make everything slower: getting out of bed, feeding, bathing, even sitting down for a meal. Many families find that having someone trained to help with recovery, rather than only with the baby, makes the first weeks easier. A therapist can help you move comfortably, remind you of the small care routines, and notice if something looks wrong so you can ring your doctor sooner.
At Sutika Home, postnatal care is delivered by trained Ayurvedic therapists who visit daily for 7, 14, 28 or 40 days. It is doctor-guided, and therapies begin only when your doctor is satisfied with healing. Our guide to postnatal care at home explains how it works, and our postnatal care package guide explains how to compare plans. If you live in the city, see our guide to postnatal care in Bangalore.
If you are expecting and want to plan for recovery, you can request a call back and share your due date and area. The team will explain options and give a written quote on the first call.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do stitches take to heal after a normal delivery?
The skin usually heals within a few weeks, and the NHS says stitches should heal within about a month. Deeper tears can take longer, and soreness can linger beyond that. Ask your doctor if pain is still strong after two to three weeks.
Do stitches after normal delivery need to be removed?
Usually not. Most are dissolvable and break down by themselves. If your doctor used non-dissolving stitches, you will be told when to return.
Is it normal for stitches to itch?
Yes, itching is common as the skin heals and the thread dissolves. Keep the area clean and dry and avoid scratching. If the itching comes with redness, swelling or discharge, ask your doctor to check.
When can I sit normally after stitches?
Many women sit more comfortably within one to two weeks and feel mostly normal by four weeks. A supportive cushion, a firm chair and shifting your weight to your thighs make it easier in the meantime.
Can I take a bath or a sitz bath with stitches?
Plain lukewarm water is generally considered safe, but check with your doctor first. Avoid salts, herbs, antiseptics and bubble baths unless your doctor has approved them.
How can I stop stitches from hurting when I pass urine?
Pour a jug of lukewarm water over the area while you pass urine, and drink enough water so the urine is not strongly concentrated. If the pain is severe or you cannot pass urine, call your doctor.
When can I have sex after stitches?
There is no single date. Most doctors suggest waiting until bleeding has stopped, stitches have healed and you feel comfortable, often after the six week check-up. Use plenty of lubricant at first and stop if it hurts. Talk to your doctor if pain continues.
Is it normal to feel a lump near the stitches?
A small firm area can happen as the tissue heals. A painful, hot or growing lump, or one with pus, should be checked by your doctor.
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