Episiotomies, Tearing, & Stitches??

Question

So I want to go natural with my baby(provided they don't to a c-section) and would like to by all means avoid an episiotomy(sorry if I spell things wrong). But does anyone know if tearing or episiotomies hurt worse? And how bad is the pain honestly? I was also wondering about stitches, how bad to they hurt? I'm not worried about contractions and even not too much about tearing because it will hurt but it's also natural and it's been done that way since the begining of time. Needles and stitches and such make me nervous, so if someone could please calm my nerves it would be appreciated. And also, has anyone else requested to not have an IV(I'm going to but I'm not sure if they'll let me, I've heared they will though)?

Answer 1

I've heard episiotomies hurt worse, but I've only had a tear. I had one stitch (no novacaine) and it hurt, but it wasn't unbearable. I was sore for a few days, but the ice pack pads and numbing cream help lots. I personally would never get cut down there, I'd rather chance it and hope not to tear. The cut is guaranteed to be long and have lots of stitches, tearing you never know.

Answer 2

I put on both of my birth plans that I did not want an episiotomy unless it was medically necessary, and that I wanted to be consulted beforehand. Unfortunately, my son was a forceps delivery, and episiotomy is necessary to make room for them. It didn't hurt at all, I had an epidural. Stitches didn't hurt while I was getting them (epidural was still there). Afterwards, stitches made walking up or down stairs VERY uncomfortable, sitting was bad too. (used a pillow) I hate needles, but since I couldn't see, and I had my baby to ooh and ahh over, I didn't really even think about the stitches. As for the IV, I chose to have it both to keep me hydrated and because it's a quick way for them to give meds if necessary. I just didn't look when they put it in, and the needle doesn't stay in your arm, just a little tube. Now, all of that being said, when I had my daughter I still had the IV, and the epidural, but no episiotomy. I tore a TEENY bit (1 stitch) and healing up after that was NOTHING. At least compared to the 85+ stitches I had with my son. Just tell the doctor that anything they do, unless it's an emergency situation, you want discussed with you prior to the procedure. Doctors shouldn't have a problem with that at all.

Answer 3

Going natural is the best way yet the hospital does take control over things whether you want them done or not. You will more than likely get an iv needle placed in your hand and taped down because if they need to administer any medication or have any emergencies arise.. they like to be able to hook it up and go. I dont really think its wise to tell them you dont want one.

As far as tearing vs. episiotomy.. I personally prefer an episiotmy over tearing naturally. An episiotomy is controlled and sewn back and heals quick and the stitches disolve in a week. I have had them and it hurt like hell the 1st time but it healed quick.
A midwife with my 5th child decided to massage and didnt do one and I healed fine too but it took longer. I have known people not to get an episiotomy and tear real real bad at the last moment because they didnt stretch and baby was too big.. so do what they recommend.
I have had 6 kids and had 3 with nothing in under 2 hrs, 2 with an epidural and one an emergency c section so I could write a book on birth lol. I know you think you can handle the pain of birth but it is horrific. If this is your 1st and your in labor a long time your fear of needles is going to go away quickly when you want an epidural or pain medicine .Pain can make you change your mind about alot of things.
So let the hospital do what they have to for some things and with the things they give you options for , decide then. Every birth is different.

Answer 4

Doctors used to do episiotomies more, with the thought that they were easier to stitch up than a tear. Now, more and more doctors are NOT doing episiotomies. I've had three kids, two natural births - and one I had an episiotomy and one I did not. By the time they are ready to do one or when you may tear, the babies head is applying to much pressure in that area it basically numbs it. So for my episiotomy, they did give me a shot of novacaine, but I didn't feel that or the cutting. When I tore, I felt a slight burning sensation, but thats about it.

The stitches I didn't feel a thing, they numb the area first. Its more of a pain to have to sit there in stirrups waiting for them to finish stitching.

Good luck!!

Answer 5

I didn't have an episiotomy with any of my three children. With my first they were just getting ready to cut when I tore just a little bit and his head came thru. The dr said that he would have cut me more than the tear itself.

I think that if you don't tear all the way back, the healing time is close to both whether you have a tear or an epositomy.

But I would recommend the epositomy. If you tear, your body has a tendency to tear further and then when the baby is born the head will tear it further. I have had a friend who tore all the way back to her anal opening. That was very painful for her for weeks to come after the delivery.

Good luck and let the drs do what they think is best.

Answer 6

Episiotomies increase your risk of extreme tearing and of bladder and fecal incontinence. I was cut with my first and tore a bit with my second. Healing was much easier with the tearing than the episiotomy. Avoid that episiotomy unless there is a medical need, such as fetal distress.

As for the IV, I refused. I did get a bit of a hard time from the nurses at first. I simply reminded them that I was the one in labor and that it was my body, my decisions. I did compromise with a HepLock, but felt much better knowing I was not hooked up to something that was out of my control.

Just make sure you have a birthing plan detailed out to bring with you when you go into labor. A doula may be helpful as well.

Answer 7

I haven't delivered yet but have done a lot of reading. By the time you would need an episiotomy, there would be so much pressure from the head, you wouldn't feel the cutting. I have actually heard of some women ASKING for one because skin just wasn't stretching.
The stitches will be easy because you will be distracted with your baby! Just be sure to take good care of the area after you leave the hospital and you shouldn't have any problems with them.

Good luck! I hope it goes well for you!

Answer 8

Tearing hurts much worse then the episiotomy, with my second I had an epi and then I proceeded to tear in all four ways due to a large baby and even where I had been cut. Also the healing time is much longer that it was with just the episiotomy. My son will be 3 in January and I still have problems with my area down there.

Answer 9

You should really discuss your feelings with your doctor before you give birth! Often, episiotomies are not necessary and these procedures have become way too common as a preventative when maybe they shouldn't be (much like hysterectomies). Remember - your body was MADE for this. Discuss your options in case something goes wrong, cause believe me you will do what you have to do, but inform the docs that you don't want such procedures done at the drop of a hat. Good luck!

Answer 10

Honestly, you don't want an episiotomy you will usually tear worse if you have one than if you don't. You have to push gently when the baby crowns. You'll know because you'll get the "ring of fire" down there. If you have a good midwife she'll put her hand on your perenium and give you some support. You shouldn't tear at all. If you do it doesn't hurt that bad because everything else is going on.

If you have an IV prep, you still have to consent to any medicine. Just let them put the needle in and don't consent to any drugs.

Seriously, get the book "Birthing from within" by Pamela England. It's got so much good information about natural childbirth.