Have you ever heard of the term puerperal bath? Especially in the stages of pregnancy and childbirth? We have prepared the following article for you to learn about the most important things you should know about this plunge pool, its most important uses and benefits, how to use it in its various forms, and other information, so be sure to follow up.

What is meant by the puerperium plunger?

The puerperal bath, or what is generally known as a sitz bath, is a bath used to clean the perineum area, the space between the rectum and the vulva, and this bath or bath helps reduce pain and itching in the genital area.

This bathtub, which can usually be purchased at pharmacies or online, is one or several plastic utensils that are placed over the base of the toilet, which is a shallow, circular basin with a plastic bag attached to a tube at the end. This bag is usually filled with warm water, and used to fill the tub.

Postpartum bath uses

A puerperal bath or sitz bath is used to clean the perineum area and increase blood flow to this area. It can also help relieve itching, irritation, and minor pain in this area.

The most prominent use of the puerperal ritual for women is the following:

• Providing comfort and speeding up recovery after childbirth, this bath helps reduce any feeling of discomfort in the genital area and speeds up the recovery time after childbirth.
• Reducing hemorrhoids that can occur to a woman during pregnancy or that can occur after childbirth, as a result of stinging during childbirth.
• It can help prevent infection in the genital area, when used with prescription medications, and can help relieve symptoms of infection or inflammation if they are present.

It should be noted the need to consult a doctor in case of any pain or the appearance of abnormal secretions from the genital area, to find out the cause and appropriate treatment, and not to use the puerperal bath until after consulting the doctor first.

How to use the puerperal bathtub

Ready-made puerperium bath:

• The ready-made puerperal bathtub is placed over the toilet.
• The bathtub or sink should be thoroughly cleaned with water before use, then hot, but not boiling, water should be added along with the medications or solutions prescribed by the doctor.
• Place the plunger firmly on the base of the toilet, making sure it does not move before using it.
• Hot water can be applied before sitting on the seat, or use the bag and tube provided with the seat to gradually add water after sitting.
• The water depth should be sufficient to cover the perineum area well.
• Sit in this bath for 15 or 20 minutes, and most types of sitz baths have a vent hole that prevents the water from flowing out.
• When finished, dry the area well with a cotton towel, and avoid rubbing or scraping the area while drying.
• The puerperal bathtub must be cleaned well after using it, and before using it the next time.

Baby bath at home:

In the case of applying the puerperal bath at home, please follow the following instructions:

• The bathtub must be thoroughly washed, and it can be cleaned by mixing two tablespoons of detergent or bleach with half a gallon of water (approximately 2 liters of water), then scrub and clean the tub with this mixture well.
• Fill the bathtub with hot enough water for several burns or discomfort, and after reaching the appropriate temperature, add any medications or medical materials recommended by the doctor.
• Sit in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Bend your knees, if possible, and move your legs apart and place them on the edges of the sink, to keep them out of the water.
• After finishing, dry the area well with a cotton towel, taking care not to injure the area or cause any pain.
• Finally, clean the sink thoroughly after completion.

In the case of feeling comfortable after using the puerperal bath, the doctor usually recommends using it 3 to 4 times a day, until the source of pain and itching is healed. It is possible to return to normal activities after completing the use of this bathtub, unless the doctor orders otherwise.

Postpartum bath disadvantages

In many cases, this bath or bathtub does not cause any damage, and infection or inflammation in the perineum is the most prominent thing that may happen, but this injury rarely occurs. This infection is more likely to occur if there is a wound or if the bathtub is not cleaned well.

And you must stop using this bath and contact your doctor if the pain or itching that is present from the beginning increases, or if the perineum area is red and swollen.