EPISIOTOMY

Overview and Facts

An episiotomy is a surgical incision created in the perineum during labor wherein the doctor cuts in the area to widen your vaginal opening before your labor. The perineum is the area amidst the anus and vagina. 

An episiotomy is a usual part of the delivery to help stop severe vaginal tears. It was said to heal better than natural tears. 

More studies, however, recommend that an episiotomy might cause more issues than it prevents. This approach can raise the chances of getting an infection and other problems, making recovery uncomfortable and lasting longer. 

Thereby, an episiotomy is typically not executed. However, in other instances, the procedure might be done. The doctor may suggest an episiotomy if:

  • Your baby is in an atypical position
  • Your baby requires to be delivered early
  • You are going through immense vaginal tearing during labor
  • The size of your baby is bigger than normal

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

Common types of episiotomy are:

  • Midline Episiotomy. In this type, the cut is made amidst the vaginal opening, directed towards the anus. 
  • Mediolateral Episiotomy. In this type, the cut starts amidst the vaginal opening and expands towards the buttocks.

Diagnosis & Medications

TREATMENT

Procedure For Episiotomy

The doctor will create the cut when three or four cm of the baby’s head is perceptible at the vaginal opening. You’ll get anesthesia before the procedure, so you will not feel any pain as the doctor makes the cut or repairs it after labor. 

Your intimate area will be washed with soap first. The doctor will put two fingers in your vaginal opening to secure the head of the baby. Afterward, a small cut will be made. The cut varies depending on what kind of episiotomy is needed to be done, it may be slightly angled or straight down the vainal opening. 

After the cut has been performed, the doctor will softly press the tissue below the cut to stop further tearing. To prevent the baby from coming out abruptly, soft pressure is applied across the top of the baby’s head. 

Recovery From Episiotomy

You can try to alleviate the pain by:

  • Taking pain relievers
  • Applying a cold compress on the perineum
  • Utilizing a squirt bottle rather than toilet paper 
  • Utilizing personal lubricant when you’re having sexual intercourse

Your cut should be healed within 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth.

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