Question: how do you know when your stitches dissolve after birth?
Answer: Dissolvable sutures (also called absorbable sutures) are typically used for an episiotomy. 2﻿ You don't have to have them removed by a doctor; the stitches will break down on their own within 2 to 4 weeks. Episiotomy stitches usually start to dissolve within a few days, and are gone after a week or two.