The local anaesthetic will give the woman good pain relief to the area for at least a couple of hours. After that the area can feel uncomfortable, swollen, painful, tender, sensitive, stingy or raw. As with everything each woman's perception of pain and discomfort will vary. Some will find it bearable, others will feel they need to take pain relieving tablets, others will use ice fingers or natural therapies to help with the pain, swelling and healing.
The genital area of the woman is similar to the type of skin and tissue in the human mouth. If you have ever injured your mouth, you will know that it can bleed heavily, swell immensely (like a 'fat lip') but have an amazing capacity to heal well on its own. So it is with the woman's vagina.
The stitches usually need no extra care. Daily hygiene such as a bath or shower and patting the area dry with a soft towel is adequate. You may wish to shower or bathe more regularly or after you open your bowels (which normally doesn't occur until 2 to 3 days after giving birth, nature is kind!). Blowing a hairdryer on the area has been shown to dry the skin excessively and inhibit healing, as can heat lamps and sun exposure.
If the perineal muscles
(perineum)have been injured (usually from a 2nd degree tear or an episiotomy) then
pelvic floor exercises will be important. When you do open your bowels, folding some clean toilet paper and placing it gently on the perineum where the stitches are and holding it there while you go to the toilet, can splint the weakened perineum and help support the stitches, as well as giving you the 'oomph' you need to open your bowels. You can read more about caring for your perineum in
stitches-perineum.