ok so I have read a lot about episiotomies and frankly Im terrified of the possibility of having one...although I know that most of the time the dr wont know if you will need one untill the baby is trying to come out. I guess what id like to know is what percentage of women need one? and also if you have had one please tell me about the experience...if it hurt did it take a while to heal, did you scar there and did it affect future pregnancies...I just want to be well informed. Thanks!
2007-01-12 01:58:16 · 9 answers · asked by dreamer 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Have you talked to your caregiver about this? It's important to know what your specific caregiver's episiotomy rate is. (Most midwives have an episiotomy rate of less than 3%.)
Also, talk to your caregiver about being allowed to choose your own pushing positions. Being flat on your back with your feet in stirrups is the WORST position to push out a baby. Sure, it's great for the caregiver to see but it does NOTHING to help you get the baby out. As a matter of fact, it puts your tailbone in the way and also makes you more likely to tear or "need" to be cut. A GREAT pushing position is squatting as it widens the pelvic outlet more than other positions and you get the help of gravity. Side-lying is good if baby is coming quick.
An episiotomy should be reserved for an EMERGENCY situation where there is maternal/fetal distress and baby needs to get out RIGHT NOW. Otherwise, it is better to risk the possibility of a tear. An episiotomy is almost always worse than a tear. A tear may only involve skin, while an episiotomy always involves both skin and muscle.
An episiotomy is also more likely to extend into a BIG tear (like straight through, front to back). You're not likely to tear that badly unless you are cut first. Think of it this way.....if you have a piece of fabric, it is nearly impossible to rip it with your bare hands. But cut a little slit in it and then you can tear it easily. Having an episiotomy weakens your perineum and makes a bad tear more likely.
Talk to your caregiver and make it clear that in no uncertain terms you will only consent to an episiotomy if there is maternal/fetal distress. You would rather risk a tear. Put it in your birthplan. Make sure your hubby and doula (if you have one) know your preferences.
Do perineal massage on yourself in the final weeks of pregancy (or have hubby do it). Good nutrition is also key in making sure you have nice elastic skin that will stretch instead of tearing.
Talk to your caregiver about doing perineal massage on you during the pushing stage. Ask about using warm compresses to help you stretch. Find out if waterbirth is an option at your hospital. If they don't have a birth tub, would they allow you to set up a rental one? The warm water is very relaxing, provides great pain relief and helps you to stretch.
ETA:
Also, tears heal better. Think of this.....
If you are putting together a jigsaw puzzle, the pieces that are totally straight are difficult to line up correctly. The pieces that have unique shapes are easier to put together the way they belong.
The same is true of sewing you back up. It's quicker for the doc to sew up a cut as it's just two straight lines. With a tear, it takes more time to sew up as he has to match the unique pieces back up to where they actually came from.
And, again, a tear is likely to only involve skin where a cut is CERTAIN to always involve BOTH skin and muscle.
2007-01-12 02:13:05 · answer #1 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe most doctors are not doing episiotomies anymore. They are allowing tearing to happen naturally.
My experience is that the tearing hurt, but I did not care at all by that point. When you're busy pushing, you have an agenda, and hard as it is to believe, some tearing vs. bringing a baby into the world isn't that big of a deal. It did take a while to heal, and was tender for a while after that, but by a year later I didn't feel or sense any difference.
It does not affect future pregnancies.
It will be ok! Remember, as scary as it is, thousands of women do it every day!
2007-01-12 10:37:53 · answer #2 · answered by Audrey C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a minor episiotomy with my first child, which is usually when they happen. It feels a little bad when it is healing, but the hospital should give you a spray for no itching because they are going to have to give you stitches after the delivery. You don't feel anything very badly because you just gave birth and compared to that, getting stiches is very easy. It did not affect future pregnancies- I had four births altogether and after the first baby, I never needed an epiosotomy again. The good news is when they are stitching you, you already have your baby, so you don't really care! Good luck! :)
2007-01-12 10:06:55 · answer #3 · answered by Lupita 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First thing you need to do is find out how your doctor feels about episiotomies I found out in my birthing class that some doctor's just believe in them and do them all the time. Some doctor's don't do them unless necessary. I ended up having to have one with my son and I can honestly say I wouldn't want one again. It hurt like hell. But I needed mine with my son. As far as healing it didn't take long for it to heal.It won't affect future pregnancies.
2007-01-12 11:16:14 · answer #4 · answered by Sadie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My doctor does not usually do episiotomies though I kinda wish he had. With my first child I had some tearing and had to be stitched. It was minor but it healed a little funny and the thin fold of skin on either side of the vaginal opening is split on one side. It is merely cosmetic and a small price to pay for my sweet girl. My husband doesn't even notice and it does not intefer with our sex life or the birth of my second (which went MUCH easier w/o tearing). My best advice would be to tell you to relax and let nature take its course. Be sure you speak to your doctor about his/her policies concerning episiotomies. Best of luck to you and the baby.
2007-01-12 10:15:01 · answer #5 · answered by fairychic77 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had an episiotomy with my first but didn't have to with my second two. There are things that a doctor can do to lower your chances of needing one(like massaging the muscles during the birth process) so discuss this with your doctor.
2007-01-12 10:05:55 · answer #6 · answered by Cindi P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi, i have 4 sons two the natural way and two premature by c cection and my first son i was scared to death about having the same thing but rest your mind it did not hurt a bit when the baby is pushing down there is so much pressure there that you do not feel it so no not worry you will be just fine we all get scared even if we have had 10 babies good luck and rest up
2007-01-12 10:14:00 · answer #7 · answered by Mississippi's Jersey girl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had 3 children and that was one of the last things I was worried about. The pain of the labor itself is worse than that, only good news is once your baby is here that won't matter. Calm down and I'm sure everything is going to be wonderful!
2007-01-12 10:13:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
With my first baby I was not quite nummed up before they did it and I screamed. When I was having my 2nd I was dreading that part so bad, but when he did it I didn't feel it at all. When I had my Third baby I didn't feel it then eighter. Tell them to numb that up good before they cut. P.S. They let my friend rip it took her forever to heal.
2007-01-12 10:08:28 · answer #9 · answered by little lady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋