Episiotomy or Tearing?

[MummyMana]

When I was in labour I specified that I didn't want to be cut unless it was necessary for my baby, I came away with a first degree tear that didn't need stitches it was really painful for just over a week but now, almost 4 Weeks after labour, its more or less healed completely

 

[scottiejunior]

I had to have an epi as I needed vacuum which failed them forceps . I ended with a third degree tear right back to my back passage . I wouldn't hesitate if I needed it again though as baby was distressed

This is literately the exact thing that happened to me

 

[BunnyN]

I think baby being in distress is an excellent reason to get one. I wouldn't hesitate in that case either. That's what interventions are for and when we can be glad we have them.

 

[Keyval]

I didn't think they would do an episiotomy unless it was necessary anyway

 

[BunnyN]

I didn't think they would do an episiotomy unless it was necessary anyway

Episiotomies are done much less often than they used to be but there is still a big variety in what a specific hospitals/doctors see as 'necessary'. Most research agrees that in general they are over used. For example lots of hospitals have a rate of 40% or more but they should be aiming for less than 15%.

I believe they do far too many at the hospital where I would go so I don't trust them to make that decision for me. I don't want one to prevent tearing, only if it is needed for the sake of the baby. However some doctors have much lower rates so I would trust them better to know when it is necessary.

 

[Dawnlouise30]

i had an episiotomy and forceps and the episiotomy site itself healed well and quickly but it was so sore down there for weeks - not sure if that was just because of the birth anyhow or the episiotomy. I think given the choice i would have an episiotomy again - it was apparently easier and neater to stitch up, but i really have nothing to compare it too

 

[Keyval]

I didn't think they would do an episiotomy unless it was necessary anyway

Episiotomies are done much less often than they used to be but there is still a big variety in what a specific hospitals/doctors see as 'necessary'. Most research agrees that in general they are over used. For example lots of hospitals have a rate of 40% or more but they should be aiming for less than 15%.

I believe they do far too many at the hospital where I would go so I don't trust them to make that decision for me. I don't want one to prevent tearing, only if it is needed for the sake of the baby. However some doctors have much lower rates so I would trust them better to know when it is necessary.

Never knew that I would hate to think they gave me one when I didn't really need it .

 

[080509]

After having a 3rd degree tear with my first, i can honestly say i'm glad i did rather than them doing the episiotomy, i would cack myself knowing what they were about to do!

 

[LuluSS]

I don't think it matters. Whether you tear, get an episiotomy, or have neither, it all hurts! lol.

I had a very small internal tear only requiring a couple stitches. My mom looked down there after LO came out and said that she was surprised at how normal it looked. Yet it still hurt like a bitch for like 4 weeks after! lol.