Effect of warm water sitz bath on wound healing after lateral episiotomy

Objective To observe the effect of warm water sitz bath on wound healing after lateral episiotomy.Methods One hundred and ten primiparae undergoing lateral episiotomy were divided into study group（n=42） which had warm water sitz bath ≥6 times and control group（n=38） which had no warm water sitz bath.All the primiparae were visited 10 days after delivery and followed up by phone 20 days after delivery.The time of wound pain disappearance at natural and sitting positions and formation of scleroma was recorded.Results No statistical difference was found in the time of wound pain disappearance at natural position between the study and control groups（P＞0.05）.However,the time of wound pain disappearance was statistically shorter and the incidence of scleroma at sitting position was higher in study group than in control group（P＜0.05）.Conclusion Warm water sitz bath contributes to the relief of wound discomfort after lateral episiotomy.