CLINICAL EVOLUTION OF PERINEAL TRAUMA FOLLOWING VAGINAL DELIVERY AND HOME CARE AS REPORTED BY POSTPARTUM WOMEN

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Abstract

Objective: To describe and evaluate the clinical evolution of perineal trauma resulting from vaginal deliveries during the first 48 hours and between the 7 th and 13 th postpartum days, as well as to identify the home care practices
intended by postpartum women after hospital discharge. Materials and
Methods: Observational, descriptive study conducted with 115 postpartum
women in a public maternity hospital. Data was collected from August 2019 to February 2020, and the study was carried out in three stages: review of medical records, administration of a questionnaire, and clinical evaluation of perineal trauma before and after discharge. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: 63.4% were multiparous; 60% had first-degree lacerations, 30.4% had second-degree lacerations, and 9.5% underwent an episiotomy. The
mean length of the lesions was 3.14 cm, and the width was 0.21 cm, with a
predominance of mild exudate and edema. Knowledge regarding home care was insufficient. Post discharge evaluations were conducted in person in 5.2% of cases and via teleconsultation in 79.1%. Wound dehiscence was identified in 4.1% of cases. Conclusion: Although the initial evaluation revealed no relevant clinical signs, follow-up evaluations indicated risks and wound dehiscence as unfavorable outcomes, highlighting the importance of continuous postpartum care to enable early detection of complications and adequate perineal recovery.