Question about Episiotomy?

Question

How many people actually have one when giving birth? Is it your decision or the doctors? Do they numb you up previous to having one? Thanks.

Answer 1

Although there's hardly any clinical data that would suggest the need for routine cutting, the rate of episiotomies performed in the U.S. is still at 40 percent of vaginal deliveries. This rate is lower than it used to be, though.

Perineal massage, which is routinely practiced by midwives, has been shown to reduce tearing and/or need for episiotomy, as have regular Kegels leading up to birth.

Don't ever get one just in case because it hurts more to be cut and stitched up then to tear naturally. Also, an episiotomy is more likely to get infected than a tear. Been there, done that.

Talk to your doctor or midwife BEFORE the birth if you would like to avoid an episiotomy if at all possible. Find out their episiotomy rate and what their "birth philosophy" is. If one is absolutely necessary (i.e. you have a difficult birth and baby is too big) they will numb you with a local anesthetic.

Answer 2

A lot of doctors will only perform the episiotomy if absolutely necessary. In most cases it is better for you to tear as the tear is more superficial. With the episiotomy they cut through more layers of skin and the cutting itself can cause some bruising, meaning more pain afterwards.

Ask your doctor how they feel about this. It should still be you to you with way.

I have had 3 children (pregnant with #4) but ended up having c-sections with all of them so I don't know what the procedure is. I have seen that they do give you a shot, a local anesthetic to numb the area so that should help.

Answer 3

If they do preform an episiotomy they give you a shot that numbs you, so you don't feel anything. Most doctors try to keep from preforming them however, it is much easier to heal from an episiotomy than a tear! I had an episiotomy with my first because labor was happening so fast and the Dr. thought I would tear. However, my second child's labor was slow and controlled and I didn't need one. Good luck

Answer 4

I'm two weeks from my due date, but from what I've read and my doc said...
1. they don't tend to do episiotomies anymore unless the child looks large and they're trying to prevent tears. Even then, they'll ask what you prefer.
2. you can decide against it
3. yes, they numb you.

Answer 5

I've not had one, and would be wary of any doctor who does them routinely.

My first son's head was in the 105%ile for head size and I had only minor tearing. The midwife did a lot of perineal massage, and we used warm compresses to allow for stretching. I did have tearing, mind you, but I was still in good shape.

I used the warm compresses with my daughter and had no tearing. Many midwives suggest beginning perineal massage around the 37th week to prepare for birth.

Good luck!!

Answer 6

I had one and it is no big deal. Most first time mothers have to have one to prevent tearing. I had an epidural and they numbed me with a shot before cutting, I felt neither. It takes some time to heal, but it is not that painful. Just make sure to take a stool softener.

Answer 7

I didn't have one with either if my kids. My doctor said he would only do one it the had a very large head and could break through. My doc also told me that I would heal faster if I didn't have one.

Answer 8

My doctor didnt beleive in them~ she thought it was better for a slow push and natural tearing. She said it was more natural that way and would require fewer stitches.

Answer 9

Never got the chance to have one. My son ripped me before she got the chance to do it.