Is it normal to feel pain while being stitched after delivery?

Mild pressure is expected, but sharp pain should not be. Local anaesthetic or an epidural top-up is standard before stitching.

What if I had an epidural—will I still feel the stitches?

Usually, no, as the anaesthetic can be topped up. But if it’s wearing off, you may feel pain, in which case more medication should be given.

Can I refuse stitches if I tear?

Small first-degree tears may heal naturally, but deeper ones need stitches to prevent bleeding, infection, and long-term problems.

How do I ensure I’m stitched with anaesthesia in an Indian hospital?

Talk to your doctor before labour, add it to your birth plan, and ensure your companion knows to speak up if you’re too tired or overwhelmed.

Stitches After Delivery: Do They Hurt Without Anaesthesia?

Childbirth is not just about bringing your baby into the world. It is also about what your body goes through in the hours right after. Many women are surprised to learn that up to nine in ten first-time mothers experience some degree of tearing during vaginal delivery. When stitches are needed, the question arises: will it be done with proper pain relief, or will you be expected to endure it raw?

What Perineal Tears and Stitches Mean

A perineal tear happens in the tissue between your vagina and anus during birth. It can be:

First-degree: Skin only, often heals without stitches.
Second-degree: Skin plus muscle, usually requires stitching.
Third- or fourth-degree: Extends deeper into the anal sphincter or rectal tissue, always needs surgical repair.

In India, an episiotomy (a surgical cut in the perineum) is still performed more often than in Western countries, though global guidelines recommend restricting it to medical need. Whether you have a spontaneous tear or an episiotomy, stitches are usually placed immediately after birth.

These stitches use absorbable material that dissolves in a few weeks. The procedure itself is straightforward, but without anaesthesia, it can be extremely painful.

Standard Practice: Pain Relief First

Before stitching, your doctor is expected to provide pain relief. This can be done by:

Local anaesthetic injection (usually lignocaine): Numbs the perineal area within minutes.
Topping up an epidural: If you already had one during labour, it can be extended for repair.
Regional or general anaesthesia: Reserved for very severe tears requiring surgical repair in an operating theatre.

The NHS, ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists), and FOGSI (Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India) all outline that suturing should not be done without adequate anaesthesia. It is not just about comfort—pain relief allows your pelvic floor muscles to relax so that stitches can be placed properly and healing is smoother.

Why Women Fear Being Stitched Without Anaesthesia

Despite clear guidelines, many Indian women share stories of being stitched without numbing. Why does this happen?

Small tears dismissed as minor: Sometimes, providers think first-degree tears do not need anaesthesia. While true if stitches aren’t required, if any repair is performed, numbing should still be offered.
Busy labour wards: In crowded hospitals, especially government ones, procedures are sometimes rushed. This is poor practice, but not uncommon.
Assumptions about your pain tolerance: Some providers wrongly assume that after childbirth, “a few stitches” are nothing in comparison.
Lack of communication: Women may not even be told what’s happening until the stitching starts.

This mismatch between medical guidelines and women’s lived experiences is why the fear persists.

What You Can Do to Prepare

You cannot control every aspect of labour, but you can increase the chances of respectful care by:

Discussing pain relief in advance: At your last prenatal visits, ask your doctor, “Will you give me local anaesthesia before stitching if I tear?” This sets expectations.
Including it in your birth plan: Write down “I request local anaesthesia for any perineal repair” and share it with your doctor and birth partner.
Asking in the moment: If you feel pulling or sharp pain, speak up. Sometimes anaesthetic is given, but not enough; a top-up may be needed.
Having a companion advocate: If you are too exhausted, your partner or support person can remind the staff.

In private hospitals, these discussions are easier. In government hospitals or crowded wards, advocacy becomes even more important.

What Happens If You’re Stitched Without Anaesthesia

If you experience stitching without numbing, know that you are not alone. The pain can be intense, and it may leave not just physical but also emotional scars. Some women develop anxiety about medical care or intimacy afterwards.
Physically, improper pain management does not necessarily affect healing, but it can:

Increase muscle tension, making stitches harder to place.
It leaves you with memories of trauma, which may impact future pregnancies or trust in healthcare providers.

If this happens, you can:

Ask your provider afterwards why anaesthesia was not given.
Consider discussing it with hospital administration if you feel up to it.
Seek emotional support. Sometimes, a single bad experience colours how you process birth.

Healing and Aftercare

Regardless of whether you had anaesthesia, aftercare is critical:

Keep the area clean with water after urination or bowel movements.
Use a peri-bottle or sitz bath if available.
Take prescribed pain relief as needed.
Avoid constipation. Strain can worsen discomfort.
Watch for signs of infection like foul-smelling discharge, severe pain, or fever.

Most stitches dissolve in 2–6 weeks. Pain should ease over time; persistent pain may indicate complications like scar tissue or pelvic floor dysfunction.

Emotional Support and Why It Matters

Birth is deeply emotional. If you felt dismissed or hurt during perineal repair, those feelings are valid. You may:

Feel anger or betrayal if your pain was ignored.
Struggle with intimacy due to fear of pain.
Experience flashbacks of the stitching.

Counselling, postpartum support groups, or talking openly with your partner can help. In India, perinatal mental health services are limited, but awareness is growing. Your gynaecologist or a psychologist can connect you to resources.
You deserve dignity and pain relief during every step of childbirth, including perineal repair. Stitching without anaesthesia is not standard medical practice, yet it still happens in India. By asking questions early, making your wishes clear, and having someone to advocate for you, you can reduce this risk. Birth is a profound moment—you deserve to remember it for your baby’s arrival, not for unnecessary suffering.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Will They Stitch You Without Anaesthesia If You Tear During Labour?

Is it normal to feel pain while being stitched after delivery?
Mild pressure is expected, but sharp pain should not be. Local anaesthetic or an epidural top-up is standard before stitching.
What if I had an epidural—will I still feel the stitches?
Usually, no, as the anaesthetic can be topped up. But if it’s wearing off, you may feel pain, in which case more medication should be given.
Can I refuse stitches if I tear?
Small first-degree tears may heal naturally, but deeper ones need stitches to prevent bleeding, infection, and long-term problems.
How do I ensure I’m stitched with anaesthesia in an Indian hospital?
Talk to your doctor before labour, add it to your birth plan, and ensure your companion knows to speak up if you’re too tired or overwhelmed.