Thus far - I think I'm against it - but I'm concerned that my doctor may insist - what should I do if that happens?
2006-11-20 23:37:02 · 11 answers · asked by cfisher4234 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Trying to Conceive
When I had my daughter, during the birthing class, they said that Episiotomies aren't done as often as they usually were a few years ago. They've found that, your body will naturally accomodate the baby even if that means tearing, because a tear isn't as definite as a cut from scissors, it lays back more naturally and heals better.
The website I've posted, covers the risks of the episiotomy. I suppose, in the event of an emergency such as described on this web page where the baby is breech, if the body isn't responding to the issue and tearing naturally, it would be a good idea to let them know if in that case you would allow an episiotomy. Also, it shows two different types of episiotomies you can have.
The other page talks about the pros and cons and things you can do to possibly avoid an episiotomy or tearing.
Good luck.
2006-11-21 02:13:59 · answer #1 · answered by Laura R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had one with my daught who was 8lbs 13oz. My doctor recommended it because of her size. I was sore there for a few weeks, and it was almost a month before I could have a real BM without discomfort. But I think the pain would have been the same if I would have just torn. Unfortunately she came so fast that I didn't have time for an epidural and they gave me a local to do the epi, but again it didn't have time to take effect! It was worse than the labor itself!!!!! But when I had my son, he was only 5lbs 4oz, and I asked just before delivery if they were going to have to cut me, the dr said she would attempt the massage technique first, but she may need to cut me. In the end he was small enough that the technique worked and I didn't have one, nor did I tear at all. I think the biggest factor is the size of your baby. I would have to say anything over 8-8 1/2lbs, you probably just want to have them do it. If you are expecting a smaller baby, do the massage technique. There was a slight discomfort, but no pain, and I was up and around a few hours later. And not to mention my BM's were not painful after delivery.
****By the way, every hospital in the country is required to have a patients Bill of Rights**** Ask the delivering hospital to provide you with one in advance so you can review it. You have the final say in anything that happens to you, just make sure that it's what's best for the baby.
2006-11-21 02:14:41 · answer #2 · answered by henryswrecker_fr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I've read about episiotomies, they can take longer (and be more difficult) to heal than a natural tear. I think the only reason that a doctor would insist on one is if you were experiencing difficulties in labour and either you or the baby were in distress and in imminent danger.
You can prepare a birth plan in advance and make sure your doctor is aware of your wishes - at the end of the day it's your body and your baby and you should be free to decide what happens to both.
Be aware however, that even the best laid plans can go awry and you should be prepared to do what is in the interests of yourself and your baby if the need arises.
2006-11-20 23:45:07 · answer #3 · answered by Witchywoo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An episiotomy can be a good thing, if done at the right time for the right reasons. Unfortunately, too many doctors do them out of "convenience." I asked my midwife to only do one if it was necessary with my son, and due to fetal distress and his size, it was. I made the same request with my OB for my daughter, and was given an unnecessary epi. As a result, not only did I have a surgical cut, but I tore to my rectum, and up into the vagina. Its one of the risks of having an epi......once that skin is cut, tearing is easier.
You can put in your birth plan that you would only like it if needed. You can do peritoneal massage, and ask your partner to put hot facecloths on your peritoneal area while you're in labor to help the skin stretch. In the end, though.......you might end up with one. Just remember that the baby is worth it!
Good luck!
2006-11-21 01:45:33 · answer #4 · answered by soleilshewitch 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
with my first child I had an episiotome. but with my second, i tore a little. I personally dont see a difference either way. I would suggest telling your dr you want to see how far you can go first before automatically doing an episiotome. I've heard that the healing when you tear is more natural than when they cut you. I mean you dont want a cut if you really dont need it. you may only tear a little or not at all.
2006-11-20 23:41:23 · answer #5 · answered by yensenm 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had one with my first (he was induced) and healed fine b/c I took care of it just as they told me too. With my second, I didn't have one (cant remember if i tore any or not), i was in labor when I got to the hospital and had my son 23min after arriving...so i had no drugs or anything....didn't have a choice, my son was coming whether anyone was ready or not. either way, both times I healed back just fine.
if you dont want one express that to the doctor, tell him that only if it absolutely needed to have the baby will you have one. otherwise you want to try and deliver without it. just make sure the doctor knows your concerns and wishes about the entire delivery
2006-11-21 03:12:16 · answer #6 · answered by Get_R_Done_n_Dallas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
PLEASE discuss this with your doctor NOW> Do not wait till " it's time" Believe me if you are having natural childbirth you will not feel in any position to decide then. This procedure does help protect the vaginal walls but again ask your doctor and even ask for some literature on this. Good luck. Just remember you are the one that has to live with your decision. It's your body.
2006-11-21 00:05:22 · answer #7 · answered by Penny Mae 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most docs dont do it anymore unless absolutelly last possible thing...usually they let you tear..its alot easier to heal when tore rather than a episitomy
2006-11-21 02:46:06 · answer #8 · answered by sjeboyce 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't get one!! I'm not a victim, but I have a friend who had one and now deals with the repurcussions... You can demand that you not get one and I suggest you do that.. Good luck to you
2006-11-20 23:50:41 · answer #9 · answered by Kat0312 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hello!!!!! Is anybody home there? An episiotomy is to prevent ripping and tearing of the vaginal wall during childbirth. The result of that ripping and tearing beyond the obvious pain could include incontinence both urine and fecal, severe infection, sexual disfunctionality. Are you seeking punishment?
2006-11-20 23:40:14 · answer #10 · answered by icynici 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋