Episiotomy: 9 Things You Need To Know

If you’re going to be a mother, then you probably might need an Episiotomy during your delivery. It is a small incision which helps in opening up the vagina during labor. But it does sound scary when you don’t have complete information about it. Which is why, here are nine important things which every pregnant woman should know about an Episiotomy:

1. This process is not for everyone

There was a time when episiotomy was a regular part of childbirth. But this process is now not recommended to everyone. It is your doctor who decides whether you need it or not. The decision to have the procedure depends on your body and your infant.

2. In some cases, it is needed

If your baby has grown too big for your vagina, then Episiotomy protects you from painful incision during labor. It is also necessary when the foot or lower half of your baby comes out first. This is an abnormal situation, but the Episiotomy simplifies the process. It also helps in such deliveries where medical equipment is required urgently.

3. Episiotomy is of two types

Midline and Median episiotomy are the two common types of episiotomy. One is a straight line incision, which is done from the vagina to the buttocks. This is slightly easier to recover from. The other one is a midline incision, in which there is a slant incision. It isn’t done from your butt, it is difficult to recover from and it is also painful.

4. This process is not troublesome

Because of the Anesthesia, you will not be able to feel the real incision. The vicinity of the vagina will fall numb. After delivery, though, you can recover from the stitches. Experiencing a little pain during the recovery process is normal. Your doctor will tell you what you need to do to get relief from pain.

5. It is done during delivery

Episiotomy is done only a few moments before giving birth. When the doctor sees the baby coming out of your vagina, the cut is made in the vagina. After the baby and the placenta have come out, the cut is stitched back.

6. There is some risk in it

Like every surgery, episiotomy also has risks associated with it. This incision may be made from the buttock to the vagina during delivery. Due to this incision, there is a lot of blood lost and the wound is at risk of getting infected, but then again, this depends on the situation. Episiothymes can also overcome these risks.

7. It takes months to recover

It takes around one month to recover from this. Once the stitches are fixed, though, you will not need to go to the doctor to remove them. Rather, take it easy during this time. Bathing in warm water will make you feel comfortable. If your baby is healthy, then you can take painkillers like paracetamol during breastfeeding.

8. Prevention of infection is necessary

Be careful, until your wounds are healed. This will prevent infection and other problems from arising. Whenever you go to the bathroom, clean the parts around your stitches. You can also rinse it with water, after consulting your doctor.

9. Reduce the chance of getting episiotomy

To reduce the chances of this surgery, try to strengthen your body before delivery. Exercise can help you with it. You can massage the area surrounding ​​your vagina too. Use vegetable oils for better results and don’t forget, pre-natal yoga works well too.

Remember, if you have to go through this process, there’s no need for any panic. Your doctor is definitely going to help in making this process and delivery successful.