It’s normal for you to have symptoms such as swelling, bruising and pain around your perineal area (between your birth canal/vaginal and bottom/anal openings) after a vaginal birth. Some people may have an episiotomy (a cut between the birth canal/vaginal and bottom/anal openings) that may be tender and uncomfortable.
It is important to know how to reduce perineal discomfort and care for (clean) your perineum following a vaginal birth, whether or not you have an episiotomy. Your nurse, midwife or physician will give you this information before you are discharged from the hospital or following a home birth.