Can I take a shower 20 days after a vaginal delivery?

Feb 07, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Whether a woman can take a shower 20 days after a vaginal delivery depends on her actual condition. If her physical recovery is progressing well, showering is generally permissible; however, if her recovery is poor, showering is usually not recommended. Postpartum women should opt for a shower rather than a sitz bath. After showering, the woman should immediately dry her body thoroughly, especially her hair, to avoid catching a chill. Adequate rest should also be maintained during the recovery period.

Whether a woman can take a shower 20 days after a vaginal delivery should be determined according to her individual condition. If her body has recovered well, showering is generally permissible; however, if recovery is poor, showering is usually not recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Twenty days after a vaginal delivery, if the mother's body has recovered well and the perineal incision or tear has healed properly, she may take a shower. However, the duration of the shower should not be too long to avoid excessive physical exhaustion, which may cause fatigue or discomfort. It is recommended to keep the shower time within a reasonable range, such as 10–15 minutes.

Conversely, if 20 days after a vaginal delivery the mother's perineal incision or tear has not fully healed, or if symptoms such as infection, redness, swelling, or pain occur, showering is not recommended. This is because showering might increase the risk of infection and hinder wound healing and overall recovery.

After a vaginal delivery, mothers should opt for showering rather than taking a bath. After showering, the mother should immediately dry her body thoroughly, especially her hair, to prevent catching a chill. Adequate rest during the recovery period will further aid in physical recovery.

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Can I stop covering the cesarean section wound with gauze on the ninth day after surgery?

On the ninth day after cesarean section, whether the incision should be covered with gauze depends on its healing status. If there is no redness, swelling, discharge, or dehiscence, and sutures have been removed or absorbable sutures were used, the wound typically no longer needs to be covered with gauze. However, if there is still discharge, redness, swelling, or sutures remain in place, continued gauze coverage is necessary to protect the wound. It's important to keep the wound and surrounding skin dry. Use a waterproof dressing when showering, and promptly dry the area afterward.

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Post-care注意事项 after cupping

After cupping therapy, general precautions include avoiding immediate bathing, keeping the treated area warm, refraining from scratching the cupping marks, and allowing an appropriate interval before undergoing another cupping session. Following cupping, skin pores remain open, and bathing immediately may allow cold and dampness to enter the body. It is recommended to wait 4–6 hours until the pores have closed before showering. Warm showers are preferred; avoid cold water exposure or prolonged soaking baths.