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REEDA scale for perineal healing

Calculator

When to use

Redness

None

< 0.25 cm from incision bilaterally

0.25-0.5 cm from incision bilaterally

> 0.5 cm from incision bilaterally

Edema

None

Perineal, < 1 cm from incision

Perineal and/or vulvar, 1-2 cm from incision

Perineal and/or vulvar, > 2 cm from incision

Ecchymosis

None

< 0.25 cm bilaterally or < 0.5 cm unilaterally

0.25-1 cm bilaterally or 0.5-2 cm unilaterally

> 1 cm bilaterally or > 2 cm unilaterally

Discharge

None

Serum

Serosanguinous

Bloody, purulent

Approximation

Closed

Skin separation ≤ 3 mm

Skin and subcutaneous fat separation

Skin, subcutaneous fat, and fascial layer separation

Calculation

Please enter all the required inputs.

The REEDA scale is a clinical scoring tool developed by Davidson and later refined by Carey, designed to assess perineal wound healing, particularly in postpartum women. It evaluates five key indicators of tissue repair: Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation (coaptation of wound edges). Originally intended for assessing healing after episiotomy and perineal lacerations, the REEDA scale is applicable to all types of postpartum perineal trauma. It has been widely used in studies examining suture techniques, perineal pain, postpartum care, and interventions such as laser therapy. The scale is considered most reliable 7-10 days after delivery, when healing signs are more stable and easier to assess.

Reference

N Davidson. REEDA: evaluating postpartum healing. J Nurse Midwifery. 1974;19(2):6-8.

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