Written by Editorial Team
Episiotomy is defined as an incision made surgically in the perineum and the posterior wall of vagina during the third stage of labor to enlarge the vaginal opening for the delivery of head of the baby. It is also referred as ‘birth canal widening’ process to facilitate the delivery of baby. Perineum is the tissue present between the anus and the vagina. It is this region that is surgically cut during childbirth.
Although a regular process earlier, episiotomy is now only done if:
Episiotomy is performed by making a small, surgical cut in your perineum just before the birth of the baby. If your epidural is still working, you will not feel anything, but if you do feel, you will be given a dose of a local anesthesia to numb the area. Another shot of an anesthesia is administered when stitching is done.
There are basically four types of episiotomy namely:
Since episiotomy is a surgical procedure, complications might occur. Some of the probable complications associated with it are:
Though episiotomy is associated with some amount of discomfort and pain, but it has quite some advantages such as:
Owing to these factors, episiotomy was performed as a routine. However, later research showed that episiotomy incisions make the recovery uncomfortable, and are sometimes more severe than natural tears. Cases of pain during sex even after months of episiotomy were also observed. Extensive cuts can also result in fetal incontinence and hence it was dropped as a practice and done only if the doctor felt it necessary for easing the childbirth.
Discuss your health and the risk involved in episiotomy with your doctor. A healthy chat about your concerns and wishes for episiotomy will ensure that you go with an open mind into the labor room.
Since episiotomy is a surgical cut, and is stitched by your obstetrician, it will take some time to heal. Usually the stitches dissolve on their own, though you will be feeling a sensation of sharp pain, especially when you walk or sit up. Healing will gradually begin and each passing day will provide you some degree of relief. It will be a month before the stitches get dissolved though the first 10 days are somewhat uncomfortable. Painkillers will be prescribed by your doctor, so you can be assured that they are safe to take.
After the incision is sutured, you might feel the incision pain. Here are some easy to do remedies to ease the pain associated with episiotomy:
If you notice following conditions, immediately consult your care provider:
While your body is recovering and recuperating, it is vulnerable to many infections. The common and frequent being endometritis (infection of the innermost lining of uterus). Besides this other common infections are
If you are concerned that the healing is not happening properly, be sure to discuss the same with your obstetrician the next time you visit her. Also notice for signs of pus, severe pain, fever or any other sensation that does not feel fine.
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