Did you have to have an episiotomy?

Question

I am 32 weeks pregnant and recently learned in my labor basics class that many women have to have an episiotomy when giving birth vaginally. Does this hurt really bad? It sounds very scary to me? Can someone further explain the process to me?

Answer 1

I had an episiotomy when I delivered my two oldest daughters (my youngest was a c-section). Basically they will determine right before or while you are pushing whether you need one or not. If they do perform an episiotomy they will numb the area with a local anesthetic (you'll feel a pinch) and wait a minute for it to start working then they will cut. I didn't feel the cut but I did feel the blood dripping, which is a really weird and kinda gross feeling, but that should be all you feel. I hated the thought of having to have an episiotomy with my first and cried when they said they were going to do one but It wasn't too bad. The stitches and recovery are kinda uncomfortable, but in my experience it's minor compared to recovering from a c-section (obviously because a c-section is major surgery!). A good idea if you want to try and avoid an episiotomy is to buy vitamin E oil and have your partner or yourself massage your perineal area with it once a day until you go into labor and see if your doctor will while you are in labor. I hope this info helps!! Good luck!

Answer 2

When I had my babies episiotomy was standard. If you have an epidural, you will not feel it. But it will be sore after the epidural wears off.

With my second pregnancy I had twins. I had no time for an epidural... nor an episiotomy. I tore to the right side and that had to be stitched up.

Fast forward, my daughter one of the twins decided no episiotomy, and totally natural birth. She did not tear. Through three deliveries she did just fine without tearing. No pain meds, no episiotomy, no epidural.

Everyone is different. "If" you tear you would not feel it, I didn't, but it will need to be repaired before you leave the delivery suite.

Ok, if you deliver without an epidural. The doctor will give you an injection in the area that will slight sting but then everything goes numb.... You will do fine with it...

Answer 3

I have had three children. With my first they let me naturally tear, which required a lot of stitches. My second, they did an episiotomy. Honestly I did not even feel it. It relieved a lot of pressure and things went a little more quickly. Less stitches because they were able to control the areas to stitch. The third, I barely had any tearing or stitches. My husband was more grossed out, I really did not know they were even doing it. He says that he heard a snapping sound when they cut. I did not have an epidural, although I do highly suggest one. My labor progressed too quickly. Do not worry, just take things as they come. Everyones labor is different. Make sure you try the whirlpool, it is fantastic and relaxing.

Answer 4

I'm 30 weeks pregnant and had heard about the episiotomy and....... have tried not to think about it, because i am completely freaked out by this too!!! but i have heard the c section is farrrr worse than having this done!!! so i guess it's the lesser of the evils... all i can say is bring on the epidural! and don't tell me your cutting anything lol!!! cause then i will definately go off the deep end. Good luck!!!

Answer 5

You should read the books "Pushed" by Jennifer Block and "Born in the USA" by Marsden Wagner, MD.
It is interesting to find out what we are told is necessary and normal, is neither of the two. Dr Marsden estimates that nearly 70% of first time mothers receive episiotomies in certain areas of the US, while far less than 10% actually require them.
Talk to your OB, ask questions, switch Dr's if necessary. Make you needs and wants clearly known ahead of time or they will be ignored.

Answer 6

I've heard that many doctors try to avoid giving them. I would consult your doctor and make a birthing request to not get one if possible.

In some cases, they can cause tearing to be worse than if you didn't have one. And some people say the recovery is worse. This might sound crude, but the way I think of it is like you cut a piece of cloth and then tear it...makes it easier for the cloth to rip. Well, similar in these circumstances.

I personally requested that they not give me one. And I had a great doctor who stretched and loosened the area as much as possible to prevent tearing. At the end, they thought their was going to be some...but they were able to get me through my delivery without any.

Answer 7

I had to have a vacuum delivery so, yes, I had an episitomy. That didn't hurt because (even though the epidural didn't work) my dr. gave me local anesthesia. Meaning he numbed it with a needle.

It never really hurt bad afterwards, i was just a little fearful of pooing. It was just sore.

They do not always cut to the anus. Most dr now try to cut at an angle. I would suggest you look up information and speak with your doctor because the responses you get here may not always be correct. (doctors are all different)

Answer 8

Yes I did I didn't think it hurt that bad well not when it happened at least. But going bathroom was a bit harder cause you have to watch out for the stitches

Answer 9

You only get one if you get torn during delivery and most time you cant feel anything but the tug due to epidural (if having one) dont be afraid just enjoy your child's birth, congrats!!

Answer 10

i had a c-section which is also scary cause u are awake during it. cant offer much advise on the episiotomy.....sorry