What Is An Episiotomy During Birth?

Episiotomy, also known as perineotomy, is a surgical incision of the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall generally done by a midwife or obstetrician.

Episiotomy is usually performed during second stage of labor to quickly enlarge the opening for the baby to pass through.

Is it better to have an episiotomy or tear?

In the past, an episiotomy was done to help prevent severe vaginal tears during delivery. It was also believed that an episiotomy would heal better than a natural or spontaneous tear. More recent research, however, suggests that an episiotomy may actually cause more problems than it prevents.

Can you have a natural birth after an episiotomy?

Sometimes a doctor or midwife may need to make a cut in the area between the vagina and anus (the perineum) during childbirth. Sometimes a woman’s perineum may tear as the baby comes out. In some births, an episiotomy can help to prevent a severe tear or speed up delivery if the baby needs to be born quickly.

Do they cut you when you give birth?

Your vagina is soft and naturally stretches to allow your baby to be born. But sometimes a little help is needed and your midwife or obstetrician may consider an episiotomy. This means making a small cut at the lower end of the entrance to your vagina. Your vagina may sustain a serious tear without an episiotomy.

How can I avoid tearing during childbirth?

Here are six ways to reduce tearing:

• Perineal massage. Studies show that perineal massage reduces your chance of tearing during birth.
• The Epi-no. If you can’t get the hang of perineal massage (and some women can’t), try the Epi-no birthing trainer.
• Water baby.
• Warm, wet towels.
• Don’t lie down.
• Keep calm and carry on.

Is episiotomy really necessary?

Episiotomy: When it’s needed, when it’s not. Once a routine part of childbirth, an episiotomy is now recommended only in certain cases. Here’s what you need to know about the risks, benefits and recovery. Although the procedure was once a routine part of childbirth, that’s no longer the case.

Do the doctors shave you before delivery?

Once upon a time, hospitals shaved pregnant women before delivery. Now, shaving isn’t recommended at all. Today, it’s common to find posters in your doctor’s office and plastered on hospital walls informing women that they shouldn’t shave their pubic hair beyond 36 weeks gestation.

How long does an episiotomy take to heal completely?

two to three weeks

Is an episiotomy painful?

Your Recovery

An episiotomy is a cut, or incision, in your perineum. Your perineum is the tissue between the vagina and anus. The amount of pain you have depends on how deep and long the incision is. You may have pain when you sit, walk, urinate, or have bowel movements.

Will I tear if I had an episiotomy?

If you’ve recovered well from your tear or episiotomy, and you have no symptoms from it, having a vaginal birth is likely to be an option for you . If you have had an episiotomy, then there is some evidence that you may be more likely to tear, or need another episiotomy if you have another vaginal birth .

Does every woman tear during childbirth?

Only 2% of women endure the most severe form of perineal tearing during birth, involving the vagina, perineum and sometimes the anus. Around 27% of women experience no tearing at all, while 23% have a very minor vaginal tear or graze that often does not require stitches and heals on its own.

How do you push during labor?

What you can do: Pushing tips

1. Push as if you’re having a bowel movement. Relax your body and thighs and push as if you’re having the biggest BM of your life.
2. Tuck your chin to your chest.
3. Give it all you’ve got.
4. Stay focused.
5. Change positions.
6. Trust your instinct.
7. Rest between contractions.
8. Stop pushing as instructed.

Photo in the article by “Wikimedia Commons” https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Medio-lateral-episiotomy-blank.png