Is it better to tear naturally or have an episiotomy?

Is it better to tear naturally or have an episiotomy?

In most situations, if any tearing is going to occur, natural tearing has less risk and often heals better. Routine episiotomy increases the risk of severe tears, and long term perineal, vaginal, pelvic floor, and anal sphincter damage. An episiotomy rarely has benefits over a natural tear.

Why is episiotomy no longer recommended?

The No. 1 reason the procedure has fallen out of favor is that it actually contributes to worse tearing than might occur naturally during childbirth. As many as 79 percent of women who deliver vaginally will experience some vaginal tearing during childbirth.

Is episiotomy really necessary?

An episiotomy is usually not needed in a healthy birth without any complications. Experts and health organizations such as ACOG and the World Health Organization (WHO) only recommend an episiotomy if it is medically necessary.

Which is better episiotomy or c section?

In some emergency circumstances where a baby needs to be delivered quickly, Levy said an episiotomy can be a lifesaving procedure that is less risky than a Cesarean section delivery, which is a major surgery.

Can an episiotomy cause problems later in life?

Not only does an episiotomy mean an extended and sometimes very painful healing process in the short-term, but also long-term complications that can severely disrupt daily life. Short term complications can include: Perineal laceration (the incision itself)

Is second degree tear worse than episiotomy?

Both episiotomies and tearing are graded as first through fourth degree. First degree is a tearing of the skin only. Second degree involves the underlying perineal/vaginal tissue. Both are pretty easy to stitch up and you'll be good as new within a month or so.

What is the difference between episiotomy and tearing?

A vaginal tear (perineal laceration) is an injury to the tissue around your vagina and rectum that can happen during childbirth. There are four grades of tear that can happen, with a fourth-degree tear being the most severe. An episiotomy is a procedure that may be used to widen the vaginal opening in a controlled way.

Can a haemorrhage occur if an episiotomy is cut too soon?

Problems with episiotomies. The episiotomy is done too soon: This can result in excessive bleeding as the presenting part is not pressing on the perineum.

Will I tear if I had an episiotomy?

Probably not. Just because you had one episiotomy, you won't necessarily need it if you have another baby. Your doctor may prefer to have you tear naturally the second time. Every pregnancy and delivery is different.

Can episiotomy be avoided?

What if I want to avoid having an episiotomy? In your birth plan clearly state that you do not want an episiotomy unless absolutely necessary. Also, discuss the issue with your health care provider during routine prenatal care.

What is episiotomy - aftercare?

• Episiotomy - aftercare. An episiotomy is a minor incision made during childbirth to widen the opening of the vagina. A perineal tear or laceration often forms on its own during a vaginal birth. Rarely, this tear will also involve the muscle around the anus or the rectum. (The last two problems are not discussed here.)

Does an episiotomy heal better than a natural tear?

• It was also believed that an episiotomy would heal better than a natural or spontaneous tear. More recent research, however, suggests that an episiotomy may actually cause more problems than it prevents.

Is episiotomy safe for the baby?

• Although in special circumstances the procedure may be appropriate, recent studies show that routine episiotomy usually has no benefits for mother or baby. In fact, making a cut may increase a mother’s chances of getting a severe tear in the perineum (the tissue between the vaginal opening and anus) during delivery.

What are the different types of episiotomies?

• Episiotomies are classified by degrees that are based on the severity or extent of the tear: First Degree: A first-degree episiotomy consists of a small tear that only extends through the lining of the vagina. Second Degree: This is the most common type of episiotomy.