After a normal delivery, it is common to have pain or discomfort around the stitches, especially if you had a tear or an episiotomy (a small cut made during delivery). For pain relief, doctors commonly recommend medicines such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen, as these are generally effective and are usually considered safe even if you are breastfeeding. However, the exact medicine, dose, and duration should be decided by your doctor based on your medical history and overall health. In addition to medicines, you can help reduce discomfort by keeping the area clean and dry, using warm water baths (sitz baths) for 10-15 minutes a few times a day, avoiding constipation by drinking plenty of fluids and eating fibre-rich foods, and taking adequate rest. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing may also help reduce irritation. You should contact your doctor if the pain is becoming worse instead of improving, if there is increasing swelling, redness, foul-smelling discharge, fever, or difficulty sitting or passing urine. These symptoms may suggest an infection or another complication that needs medical attention. Most stitch-related pain gradually improves over the first few weeks after delivery.

During early pregnancy, paracetamol is generally considered the safest over-the-counter option for mild pain when used at the lowest effective dose for a short duration. You must avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin, as they can increase the risk of miscarriage and developmental issues. Since abdominal or pelvic pain in early pregnancy can sometimes signal a serious condition, such as an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, please consult your obstetrician before taking any medication. Seek immediate medical attention if the pain is severe, localised to one side, or accompanied by vaginal bleeding, dizziness, or fever.