What it means
Perineal care ("peri-care") is washing and drying this area. After a vaginal birth the perineum may be torn or cut (an episiotomy) and sore. Perineal skin breaks down easily when it stays wet from urine or stool.
For the nurse
Clean from front to back, from the cleanest area to the dirtiest, to keep stool germs out of the urethra. After birth, check the perineum for redness, swelling, bruising, drainage and how well the edges meet; ice packs in the first 24 hours, a peri bottle and sitz baths ease pain.
Remember it
Perineal is the private area; peritoneal is the tummy lining; peroneal is the outer lower leg.
At a glance
| Spanish | perineal |
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Easy to confuse with
peritoneal
Having to do with the peritoneum, the thin lining of the belly cavity and the organs inside it.
peroneal
Having to do with the outer side of the lower leg, near the fibula bone.
Related terms
urinary tract infection
An infection anywhere in the urinary tract: the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra.
postpartum
The time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.
peritoneal
Having to do with the peritoneum, the thin lining of the belly cavity and the organs inside it.
peroneal
Having to do with the outer side of the lower leg, near the fibula bone.