abstract

Worldwide, perineal discomfort is the most common problems encountered postnatally occurring in 42% of women undergoing vaginal birth. Perineal pain is worsening following instrumental delivery, episiotomy, spontaneous tears. Episiotomy may be a major risk factor for infection, blood loss, decrease of sexual pleasure, delayed healing, fistula, incontinence of urine, feces and flatus. Many comfort measures have been recommended to reduce perineal pain and improve episiotomy wound healing. The use of essential oils and povidone iodine solution are among the earliest methods adopted for episiotomy wound healing and pain relief. Lavender oil is traditionally believed to have sedative, anti-depressive and anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to its recognized antimicrobial effects.