Episiotomy: Frequently Asked Questions
Episiotomy or No Episiotomy?
Obviously if I have a choice, the answer is no episiotomy. However, if my vag is about to be parted like the red sea, I would appreciate a nice clean cut instead of the alternative. I guess I’ll just have to see how it goes.
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What is an episiotomy?
An episiotomy is a small incision made on the perineum between the vaginal opening and the rectum to enlarge the vaginal opening for delivery.
Source: www.womenscare.com
Episiotomy is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the perineum during the second stage of labor when the baby's head is crowning. The cut is surgically stitched after the birth. It was thought that an episiotomy lessened the incidence of perineal tears.
Source: www.womenshealthservices.org
Why might an episiotomy be done?
Fewer episiotomies are performed now than in previous years. Essentially it is done when the perineum seems to be about to tear badly.
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An episiotomy is a cut made in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening. Fewer episiotomies are performed now than in previous years. Essentially it is done if the perineum seems to be about to tear badly. It is difficult to see this during a waterbirth and in some squatting positions.
Source: www.thebirthcompany.co.uk
How is an episiotomy performed?
An episiotomy is performed using a special pair of curved scissors which are used to make the incision. If you already have an epidural anesthetic in place then no further anesthetic will be required. If you do not need an epidural then a local anesthetic or pudendal block will be employed using an agent such as lidocaine. The blood loss from the episiotomy is minimal and easily controlled.
Source: www.babypartner.com
What if I need an episiotomy or stitches?
Midwives are trained to perform an episiotomy when necessary. However, their focus is on how to
prevent tearing. They are skilled in suturing and carry appropriate equipment and local anesthetic for repairs.
Source: www.childbirthwithlove.com
Midwives are trained to perform episiotomy when necessary. More desirable is the assistance of a midwife to prevent episiotomy or tearing. Midwives are skilled in suturing, and carry appropriate equipment and local anesthetic for repair of episiotomy or tear.
Source: akbirthcenter.org
What is an episiotomy and what consequences can it have?
Episiotomy is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the perineum during the second stage of labor when the baby's head is crowning. It was thought that an episiotomy lessened the incidence of perineal tears. According to WHO, about 60% of women receive an episiotomy during their delivery. The cut is surgically stitched after the birth. The practice of performing episiotomies as a standard procedure is highly controversial. Women may experience complications after an episiotomy. ...
Source: www.avoidepisiotomy.com
Episiotomy is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the perineum during the second stage of labor when the baby's head is crowning. It was thought that an episiotomy lessened the incidence of perineal tears. The cut is surgically stitched after the birth. The practice of performing episiotomies as a standard procedure is highly controversial. Women may experience complications after an episiotomy that include: slow healing sutures; pain when urinating and during bowel movements and when sitting and walking. ...
Source: www.epi-no.ca
Will I get an episiotomy?
We prefer to avoid routine episiotomy. Under certain circumstances an episiotomy is necessary—this is established when the fetal head is crowning. Some women find perineal massage helpful in reducing tears at the time of delivery.
Source: www.lexobgynnyc.com
Do I always need an episiotomy?
An episiotomy is a "cut" the physician or midwife makes at the time of delivery at the vagina in order to facilitate delivery and avoid a large tear. They are not automatic and is a last minute decision if you need one or not. It is the philosophy of this office to avoid an episiotomy if possible.
Source: www.lakelandobgyn.net
How long does it take for an episiotomy to heal?
An episiotomy usually heals without any problems if it is sutured correctly. But it will continue to hurt for a little while, and the stitches will dissolve within 14 days. It may get infected, reopen itself, or a hematoma can form etc. But in any event within a normal healing period, one should be able to walk, defecate and urinate without any obvious pain.
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Are there special procedures to take care of an episiotomy?
The nurses in your hospital will make sure you don't go home without learning how to look after your episiotomy. They will show you how to clean the episiotomy after urinating (from front to back), and remind you to use each piece of toilet tissue only once. You will also be given a peri-bottle filled with soap and water to clean the affected area. Of course if you have a bidet at home you will be encouraged to use it instead.
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What is your philosophy regarding episiotomy?
Episiotomies are not routinely done as they are not supported by evidence-based research. They are sometimes necessary to expedite birth in case of an emergent situation and then only done with mothers/parents consent.
Source: www.obgyninfert.com
What is your episiotomy rate?
We have only performed 3 episiotomies in all the births we have attended. They are almost never necessary.
Source: www.womancaremidwifery.com
DOES EPISIOTOMY CAUSE PROLAPSE?
Current medical and scientific literature states that loss of pelvic organ support often begins with episiotomy. The perineal body, or thick, pyramid-shaped tendon between vagina and anus, is a major support structure of the female pelvic system. More and more professional voices are calling for preserving the integrity of this vital structure by avoiding the surgical procedure.
Source: wholewoman.com
Is it true that an episiotomy is not really necessary?
There has been a debate about the value of the episiotomy ever since it became a common procedure in the United States after World War II. There is certainly no need for the episiotomy to be considered a routine procedure present in all deliveries, and the rate varies among doctors and midwives. Some doctors will always perform an episiotomy while many nurse midwives will only perform one in 15% of deliveries. ...
Source: www.babypartner.com
Why do I need an episiotomy?
The episiotomy is performed to provide an easier and quicker delivery of the baby. It can also prevent natural tearing of the vagina, perineum and vaginal muscles. A properly performed incision is easier for the doctor to repair and the ragged edges of a natural tear. There are other advantages and despite the debate evidence suggests that the number of subsequent surgeries for relaxation of the bladder, vagina and rectum needed later in life have been reduced since the introduction of the episiotomy.
Source: www.babypartner.com
What can be done to prevent an episiotomy?
Many people report tear reductions with use of perenial massage, kegel exercises, and warm compresses during labor. As usual, finding a car provider who's philosophy matches yours is critical. Avoidance of epidural analgesia can also help, because then the mother is able to get in positions to aid gentle delivery over an intact perenium. For more information about episiotomy, including scientific references and aids in healing tears and episiotomies, please see http://childbirth.org/articles/epis.html
Source: www.gentleparenting.com
How should I take care of my episiotomy?
Stitches usually dissolve within several weeks. At home, continue to use the supplies given to you in the hospital. They help promote healing and ease discomfort. Use the peri bottle to keep the episiotomy site clean and make washing easier. Try to keep the episiotomy dry and change pads frequently, depending on the flow of bleeding.
Source: www.womensobgyn.com
How soon can I have sex after an episiotomy?
The stitches used to repair the episiotomy are designed to disolve within 3 to 6 weeks. By this time there will be sufficient healing to ensure that sexual intercourse is safe.
Source: www.babypartner.com
Is the episiotomy uncomfortable and how long does it last?
There is no consistent answer to this. Many women find their hemorrhoids more painful than the episiotomy. Some feel discomfort for a couple of weeks while others barely notice anything after a day or two. If the discomfort lasts longer than a couple of weeks or becomes more intolerable then you should contact your doctor.
Source: www.babypartner.com
How soon after the episiotomy is performed can the stitches be removed?
The stitches will dissolve in about 3 to 6 weeks and don't need a doctor's visit for removal. By this time the vagina is already healed and as the stitches dissolve it is normal for parts of the suture to appear in the uterine discharge.
Source: www.babypartner.com
What is your rate of cesarean section? Episiotomy?
All of the certified nurse midwives and physicians at UI Hospitals and Clinics are committed to keeping the rates of cesarean sections and forceps/vacuum deliveries low. The nurse midwives use noninterventive approaches such as positioning, birth balls, and hydrotherapy (using large whirlpool tubs) to manage the discomforts while minimizing the possible risks of some other interventions. We encourage women to choose the most comfortable position for their birth. ...
Source: www.uihealthcare.com
Do I have to have an episiotomy?
An episiotomy is the cut the doctor makes to enlarge the vaginal opening. Many women, especially first-time moms, have an episiotomy. If you do not have an epidural, a numbing shot is given. After birth, the episiotomy is stitched closed. The stitches dissolve a week or so after birth. Talk with your doctor if you want to avoid an episiotomy.
Source: www.methodisthealth.org
Can you please describe an episiotomy?
An episiotomy is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the perineum (the area between the bottom of the vagina and the top of the rectum) to enlarge the vaginal opening and faciliate delivery of the baby or prevent tearing of the perineum. It is closed with absorbable sutures. There are two types of episiotomy; the medilateral, cut at 45 degrees with midline, and median cut in the midline. ...
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What platelet counts are recommended for a C-section, an episiotomy, and epidural anesthesia?
There is no consensus on minimum platelet counts for different medical procedures. While many physicians consider a platelet count above 50,000 ppm to be safe for a C-section, higher counts are usually recommended for episiotomy and epidural anesthesia. A platelet count between 50,000 ppm and 80,000 ppm is recommended by most physicians for episiotomy and 80,000 ppm to 100,000 ppm for epidural anesthesia.
Source: www.itppeople.com
How do feel about episiotomy and do you do them?
Midwives like to help babies out with slow head deliveries, giving the skin time to stretch over baby's head. If an episiotomy is necessary to facilitate the birth, it may be done.
Source: www.communitymidwifery.com
Is it safe to physical exercise such as cycling or a StairMaster after an episiotomy?
Limited physical exercise is safe. Don't be overly ambitious, even when climbing stairs at home (take one step at a time). If you find that you are experiencing pain while performing physical exercise, limit the activity until you are comfortable.
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