Occasionally, the midwife needs to treat a tear or rupture that occurred during the birth. At this point, your genital area may be very sensitive to touch. If you are not bleeding from the tears, the midwife will wait until you are prepared.
The midwife can use a numbing spray or local anesthetic to ensure that you are not in pain when she sews up the tear. The type of anesthetic she uses depends on the location of the tear. While it is not painful, most women feel it is unpleasant when the midwife treats the tear.
Pain relief for postpartum contractions can be administered in different ways. Pain relief medication is usually provided in tablet form, although injections are administered in the event of severe pain. Many women also find good relief from TENS, acupuncture, sterile water blocks, heat and cold.
Sources:
- Abascal, G., & Huss, M. S. (2018). Att föda. Bonnier Fakta.