Question 1

how can episiotomy be avoided? is there  any procedure that can be pre applied to aid a woman months before labour is due?  can frequent sex help?

Accepted Answer

Not Needed: Episiotomy really has fallen out of favor & is rarely performed in our area. Studies have shown a better outcome with allowing the perineum to stretch, fewer extensive lacerations, and less pain for the mom. A well controlled delivery is vital & an attendant willing to allow stretching is needed. Epis usually done if lacerations start near the urethra/clitoris or for emergent delivery if needed.

Question 2

what is an episiotomy?

Accepted Answer

Cutting vagina  : An episiotomy is a small incision made during vaginal delivery to create more space for the baby. It used to be used routinely, but recent studies show it is not necessary in most cases. Most doctors do not routinely cut episiotomies anymore. I rarely use this option except in emergencies or extreme circumstances.

Question 3

episiotomy hurts bad. help!?

Accepted Answer

Sitz bath: Warm sitz baths are a great thing. Can use some topical Lidocaine to help as well - call your doc and get some called in.

Question 4

why would an episiotomy be needed?

Accepted Answer

No midwife: Most episiotomies are not needed.  If you are seeing a midwife your are less likely to get one.  Doctors get in a hurry and don't want to wait for mother nature.

Question 5

can i refuse to get an episiotomy?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You have the right to refuse any procedure.  And refusing an episiotomy doesn't mean you are refusing all care.  There are some really good reasons to get an episiotomy though.  Sometimes your baby is struggling and we need to deliver quickly.  While this is rare, keep an open mind.  Discuss with your doctor or make a birth plan that states you only want an episiotomy in a true emergency.

Question 6

where is an episiotomy usually done?

Accepted Answer

Btwn vagina and anus: An episiotomy is a surgical incision performed by a doctor during childbirth. The delivering physician will make a cut that extends the vaginal opening further toward the anus. This is only done if the baby may be too large to be delivered through the vaginal opening, to prevent tearing of the tissue. An apisiotomy allows the doctor to repair the tissue after birth so it heals more easily.

Question 7

how does an episiotomy look afterwards?

Accepted Answer

Surgical incision: An episiotomy, if uncomplicated and repaired properly should look like any other routine surgical incision after it has healed. The vagina is remarkable in its healing ability and the scar will likely be unnoticeable to the untrained eye.

Question 8

are routine episiotomies done anywhere?

Accepted Answer

Generally not: The current trend in obstetrics (according to my colleagues) is not to do surgical episiotomies, as there is a great deal of evidence that healing is better if the posterior birth canal is allowed to tear naturally. However, this tearing often requires repair with sutures by the obstetrician. My understanding is that surgical episiotomies are now rarely done.

Question 9

episiotomy which came undone after a week?

Accepted Answer

Time to see doctor: A surgical wound like an episiotomy is stitched together so that the two sides can easily heal back together. If it opens up instead of healing back together, the woman would need her doctor to examine the wound and see what to do next... to make sure she heals up properly.

Question 10

how do they know when to cut an episiotomy?

Accepted Answer

We don't.: We have stopped generally cutting episiotomies because they do more harm than good. Few absolute indications for it remain, such as severe shoulder dystocia.

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Doctor answers about:

Massage to avoid episiotomy

A member asked:

How can episiotomy be avoided? is there any procedure that can be pre applied to aid a woman months before labour is due? can frequent sex help?

A member asked:

What is an episiotomy?

A member asked:

Episiotomy hurts bad. help!?

A member asked:

Why would an episiotomy be needed?

A member asked:

Can i refuse to get an episiotomy?

A member asked:

Where is an episiotomy usually done?

A member asked:

How does an episiotomy look afterwards?

A member asked:

Are routine episiotomies done anywhere?

A member asked:

Episiotomy which came undone after a week?

A member asked:

How do they know when to cut an episiotomy?

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