WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Fearing Episiotomy? Our Explanations

Childbirth
Delivery method
Fearing Episiotomy? Our Explanations
During childbirth, healthcare providers may sometimes perform an episiotomy, which is a cut made in the perineum, the area between the vagina and anus.
This procedure widens the vaginal opening, making it easier for the baby to be born.
Additionally, in some cases, a woman's perineum may tear naturally during delivery. Let's delve into the details of episiotomy, perineal tears, their reasons, recovery, and ways to reduce the risk of tears.
Episiotomy: A Helping Hand for Delivery
  • An episiotomy is performed when the baby is in distress and needs to be delivered quickly to avoid potential birth injuries or stillbirth. It may also be necessary to facilitate the use of instruments like forceps or ventouse suction during birth.
  • The procedure involves a local anesthetic to numb the area around the vagina, and a small diagonal cut is made from the back of the vagina, stitched together afterward with dissolvable stitches.
Recovering from an Episiotomy or Perineal Tear
  • Episiotomy cuts are usually repaired within an hour of the baby's birth. The stitches may bleed initially but should stop with pressure and proper care.
  • Stitches typically heal within a month, and during this time, certain activities may need to be avoided. Painkillers like paracetamol can help relieve discomfort and are safe to use while breastfeeding.
  • To aid healing, exposing the stitches to fresh air and using ice packs wrapped in a towel can be helpful. Keeping the cut and surrounding area clean is crucial to prevent infection.
Sexual Intimacy After Episiotomy or Tear
  • It's common to experience pain during sex in the first few months after birth, especially if you've had an episiotomy or tear. Take things at your own pace, and don't rush into intercourse if it's uncomfortable.
  • If penetration is painful, communicate with your partner and explore alternative ways of intimacy, like mutual masturbation.
  • Lubricants can help with vaginal dryness, but avoid oil-based ones as they can irritate the vagina and damage condoms or diaphragms.
Preventing Perineal Tears
  • Midwives can help prevent perineal tears during labor by guiding you to control the baby's head's emergence. Panting or puffing short breaths can allow the skin and muscles to stretch gradually without tearing.
  • Massaging the perineum during the last weeks of pregnancy may reduce the risk of an episiotomy. The most benefit is seen in those who massage the area daily.
Seeking Medical Advice
If you experience excessive pain, persistent discomfort, or signs of infection around the cut or tear, consult your healthcare provider promptly.
Remember, each birth experience is unique, and healthcare providers will tailor their approach to what's best for you and your baby's health. Communicate openly with your healthcare team to ensure a safe and comfortable birthing and recovery process. 💪👶
K
Karl
22 Jul 2023

A full day and a half of labor plus an episiotomy but we got through it 😭 #firstbaby

Childbirth Delivery method
2 comments
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Vina
❤️congratulations
27 Mar 2024

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Karl
thank you!!
27 Mar 2024

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Megan
25 Jan 2023

Are you wanting to tear naturally or have an episiotomy (doctor cuts you)? Comment why.

Childbirth Delivery method
8 comments
M
Melissa
I hope neither lol
27 Mar 2024

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M
Melissa Cosner
4th baby and neither here too
27 Mar 2024

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Nicole
16 Sep 2022

Can you switch doctors last minute ? I'm due any day now but I am having second thoughts about my doctor. He is very pushy about inducing me - I have no medical issues and a very normal pregnancy (38 weeks). Also he mentioned episiotomy saying he can do that making the rip straight. Him and I spoke months ago about that and he said he was against doing episiotomy so now all of a sudden he changed his mind 🤔 I just feel confused and concerned at this point He wants to induce me on Tuesday

Childbirth Delivery method
6 comments
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Melissa
I’m personally not agreeing to induction unless I go over my due date by at least a week when I get to 41 weeks (unless something goes wrong with the baby and I medically have to for safety). You can say no to induction! Don’t let him bully you into it if you don’t want it. Many moms get pushed into inductions because it’s convenient for the staff to start your labor and know you’ll deliver in the next day instead of letting it be spontaneous. And you can switch providers if you want to, ask to see anyone else in the practice. As for the episiotomy, they’ve have had more research into them currently and it might cause more damage than not having one so just ask him why he doesn’t want to perform one, it’s probably just because of the new research coming out. A lot of studies have shown moms who didn’t get an episiotomy healed faster and without as many complications than moms that got them. My friends have both delivered their first babies without any tearing, so if they had opted for an episiotomy they’d be left with a huge rip for no reason. You got this momma, it’s YOUR labor so it should be entirely up to you esp since you’ve had a normal, healthy pregnancy ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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B
Blocked user
Simply don't show for that inducing
27 Mar 2024

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