I want any information or advice that you may have about it. What do you recommend? This will be my first baby and I'm not completely sure as to what to expect in the delivery room besides the pain.
2007-08-27 10:45:05 · 14 answers · asked by Darling 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Have any of you been able to avoid tearing? If so, how?
2007-08-27 10:51:35 · update #1
New evidence has shown that tearing heals better and quicker than a cut - it makes sense if you think about it, because usually a tear is not going to go through all of the muscle layers and such, and an episiotomy would. I know I don't want one if I don't have to have one, and I agree with some of the other girls on here that some doctor's are a little scissor happy...it's easier to just make a cut because it will make room quickly and the baby will be delivered faster. In one of my pregnancy books it talked about massaging the perineal area weeks before going into labor. It helps stretch the muscles, get them ready for birth. You can probably find that info on the internet. Good luck!
2007-08-27 12:37:19 · answer #1 · answered by Jamester 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say tearing is always better then episiotomy. When you have an episiotomy, they cut you and the vast majority of the time, the cut you more then you would need. It's kind of like cutting cloth. Once there is a little cut, it's more ea sly torn. When you tear, you tear just enough to accommodate your baby and no more. And despite what people say, it's just as easy to repair a tear then a cut!
Try keeping a warm washcloth on your perineum during labor to soften the skin and help stretching. Also have your husband massage the area pushing down and stretching it some to prevent you from tearing!
Good luck!!
2007-08-27 10:53:28 · answer #2 · answered by sarahbeth 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I had an episiotomy with both of my girls. I didn't ask or say I didn't want one he just did it when I needed it. I really believe it is best to trust the doctors judgement on this. I also like the fact that it is really easy for them to sew you back up. If you tear it is harder. I did not have any complications from it. It was a bit uncomfortable afterwards but so is everything after having a baby. Good luck!!
2007-08-27 10:52:44 · answer #3 · answered by JenMommyMom 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I an episipomy with my 1st and 2nd child...then "tore" with the last child (hence why he is the last!) But I think that the healing process was the same with both...as far as a preference? I never though I would find myself asking someone to make any type of incision in that area...but when I was trying to deliver a 10lb baby, I found myself begging for it!!! Getting the stitches after the birth was the worst part. (and it is not that bad...you'll be fine!!!) Good Luck!
2007-08-27 10:55:07 · answer #4 · answered by dalenjen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about. Your doctor will not do an episiotomy unless it is necessary, and it is better than tearing natural. They make a clean cut that it easily repaired.
2007-08-27 10:52:46 · answer #5 · answered by Sugarcookie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell the doctor you don't want one unless you're going to tear. Most doctors wouldn't do this anyways, but some are scissor happy. They usually use a finger or 2 and try to stretch you during the pushing part. My doctor did this, but it didn't work so I had one, and it hurt to get it, but the recovery from it really wasn't that painful. The hemmorroids I got from pushing were way worse!!!
I had a friend who tore really bad, and it took her a long time to recover. She had a really hard time.
2007-08-27 10:49:22 · answer #6 · answered by Melissa 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would not do it. I heard it compared like this before: If you cut a pair of jeans, it is so much easier to rip them even more from the cut. Try to rip them without being cut and it's much more difficult.
Your doctor can instruct you to not push if the baby is coming out too quickly. They also help stretch your skin as the baby is coming so that it will be more elastic. You can also do this at home.
Good luck
2007-08-27 10:53:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
with my first i had to have an episiotomy and i didn't think it hurt at all when they did it. it actually felt good i thought because it relieved much of the pressure in my nether regions. i tore inside as well and i don't think they could have avoided that because she was such a large baby for me. good luck to you!
2007-08-27 11:03:13 · answer #8 · answered by iheartcoffee 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless things have changed since I had my two babies, they don't advise that you let "nature take it's course" and tear, as then it will be more difficult to stitch you up. They recommend that you allow the doctor to cut you (which he does on a contraction so it feels like nothing more than a paper cut) and then it is very easy for him to stitch you up. Please talk to your doctor about your concerns so that he can put your fears to rest. Good luck.
2007-08-27 10:56:28 · answer #9 · answered by llosier9 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Don't get one. Let nature take its course. If you tear, you tear. Plus, you'll be in so much pain I highly doubt you'll feel it anyway! I tore both times and didn't feel a thing. They stitch you right up and you're good as new!
2007-08-27 10:50:58 · answer #10 · answered by jessygirl 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋