Obstetric and gynecologic medical procedures may be needed so that a woman can fully recover after childbirth. Complications from delivery, a large baby or other issues might necessitate these procedures. Consider these four types of procedures that doctors can do in the hospital or in their offices to facilitate recovery after childbirth.

Colporrhaphy

Colporrhaphy is surgical repair of the vagina. It might be necessary after a vaginal delivery when the baby's head is disproportionate in size compared to the birth canal. A baby who does not turn properly may also cause a considerable tear or injury to the vagina, necessitating this type of internal repair. Colporrhaphy is typically performed immediately after delivery in order to reduce the risk of hemorrhaging.

Thermal Vaginal Tightening Treatment

Some women find that their vaginal muscle tone is not the same after childbirth as it was before. This is often the case after the delivery of a large baby or after a woman has had several vaginal deliveries. Thermal vaginal tightening treatment, like that available from Refined Dermatology, restores the muscle tone and natural flexibility of the vagina. This procedure might help with the comfort and satisfaction of sexual intercourse.

Tubal Ligation and Hysterectomy

If a woman does not want any more children, a tubal ligation could be performed immediately after a C-section or vaginal delivery. Some women hemorrhage after childbirth or have a rupture of the uterus. In such cases, a hysterectomy may be needed. Performing a hysterectomy or tubal ligation immediately after childbirth allows a woman to recover from the surgery and the birth simultaneously.

Repair Tears or Hematomas

Many women experience a vaginal tear or hematoma during childbirth. The large size of the baby's head may cause the soft tissues to suddenly stretch, which results in a tear or a collection of blood within the tissue. Obstetricians are able to repair the tears and hematomas as soon as the placenta is delivered. A shot of lidocaine numbs the area if the woman has not had an epidural. Most of these repairs only take a few minutes and are done with stitches that eventually dissolve.

Remember that recovery from childbirth is not an overnight process. It takes about nine months to grow a full-term baby, and recovering from it can also take about that long. Give yourself grace and make positive changes, including eating healthy food and adding physical activity once the doctor grants permission. Medical procedures can also help to advance recovery after having a new baby.