What presentation would indicate episiotomy dehiscence?

The presentation of pain and fever is significant when considering episiotomy dehiscence. After an episiotomy, the area around the incision can become infected or may break down, leading to symptoms such as increased pain and fever, which are indicative of a potential serious complication. Pain may be localized to the site of the incision but can also be more generalized, and fever suggests a systemic response to infection.

While other symptoms like heavy bleeding or severe abdominal pain can indicate complications following childbirth, they are not specific to the failure or dehiscence of the episiotomy. Typically, heavy bleeding would prompt consideration of other causes such as uterine atony or retained placental tissue. Similarly, severe abdominal pain could relate to many different postpartum conditions, including issues unrelated to the episiotomy itself. Dryness and discomfort usually do not correlate with dehiscence; instead, they may relate to other postpartum changes or complications. Thus, the combination of pain and fever is the most specifically associated with episiotomy dehiscence.