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Know Your Rights
An episiotomy is only performed on people giving birth.
An episiotomy should be performed only when the person giving birth clearly understands the procedure and its risks.
When Is an Episiotomy Necessary?
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An episiotomy aims to prevent severe tears to the perineum during childbirth.
Tears can occur to the vagina and surrounding tissues as the babys head and shoulders are born.
These tears take time to heal and often require stitches.
Potential Risks
There are several potential risks of having an episiotomy.
The medical community now believes that tearing naturally during childbirth is better than having an episiotomy.
Selective, rather than routine, episiotomies are associated with a lower risk of severe perineal trauma.
Location
An episiotomy usually occurs in a labor and delivery hospital room during childbirth.
It should not be performed at an outpatient center.
A local numbing agent is injected into the perineum muscle and skin.
An episiotomy is not a planned procedure.
It may be performed during childbirth if fetal distress or the baby cannot fit through the vaginal opening.
Before the Surgery
Before the procedure is considered, the person giving birth pushes with contractions.
The provider then makes a small incision from the opening of the vagina down the perineum.
The incision may be median or cut straight down the middle of the perineum.
A mediolateral incision is made at an angle and lowers the risk of tearing the anus.
After the Procedure
After an episiotomy, the baby is delivered.
Once theplacentais passed, the healthcare provider closes the incision with stitches.
Are Repeat Episiotomies Likely?
If you have an episiotomy, your chances of needing another one during subsequent births increases.
That said, you may be able to give birth without an episiotomy during your next delivery.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From an Episiotomy?
Recovery from an episiotomy can take several weeks.
Fortunately, most people with episiotomies heal without complications.
Usually, thestitchesdo not need to be removed because they are absorbed.
While recovering from an episiotomy, you are also recovering from childbirth.
You should not use tampons or have sexual intercourse for six weeks.
After childbirth, ice packs help with swelling and pain.
It is important to disinfect your bathtub before each bath.
In addition to warm baths, over-the-counterAdvil (ibuprofen)may relieve pain.
The pain from an episiotomy can make having a bowel movement difficult.
To preventconstipation, drink plenty of water and ask your healthcare provider about taking a stool softener.
Eating a diet rich in fiber will also help.
Also speak to your healthcare provider about pelvic floor physical therapy.
Most people recover from an episiotomy without serious complications.
If your pain worsens or you develop new symptoms, such as incontinence, call your healthcare provider immediately.
The purpose is to prevent severe tearing during labor and delivery.
Episiotomies were more common in the past but are now used only under specific clinical considerations.
To reduce the risk of needing an episiotomy, perform Kegel exercises and perineal massage while pregnant.
The recovery process for an episiotomy may take several weeks.
Most people recover without serious complications.
Possible risks of an episiotomy include muscle tears, bleeding, infection, and long-term incontinence.
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