Pain relief with Minor Surgery (Epsiotomy)

Read on to know about what is episiotomy and why is it performed during delivery. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of episiotomy right away.Are you worried about episiotomy in pregnancy? Well, information about the same shall help you cope with some of your unfound fears. Read along to know more about this minor surgery. In this articleWhat is Episiotomy?What Are the Benefits of Episiotomy?When is Episiotomy Required?Care and Recovery after the SurgeryComplications Related to EpisiotomyWhat is Episiotomy?This is a minor procedure that involves a surgical incision in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening before the birth of the babys head, to ease a normal vaginal delivery. There are two types of episiotomies: the median and the mediolateral. The median incision is made at the back towards the rectum and the mediolateral one slants away from the rectum.Local injections or anaesthesia are given to block the nerves. This has become a common affair in most of the vaginal deliveries these days.What Are the Benefits of Episiotomy?An episiotomy can considerably shorten the time consuming, painful and pushing stage of labour. It prevents injury to the muscles of the vagina and perineum and protects the foetal head from being compressed through a smaller opening. It is especially beneficial in the case of prolonged labour, exhaustion and foetal distress. Moreover, it is certainly better to have a proper incision made rather than suffering a vaginal laceration.Well, certainly there are quite a number of benefits of episiotomy. Here we shall explore some of them.This surgery reduces the number of pushes you need to do while delivery.Trauma on vaginal tissues can be reduced and the surgery also expedites delivery of your baby when it needs to be done fast.Extensive tear or irregular tear takes longer to heel than the vaginal incisions. Moreover, this is likely to have fewer complications and better outcomes.Depending on the size of the incision done, you may have to wait around 4 to 6 months for it to heel completely. Your heeling time shall also depend on the suture material used in the process.When is Episiotomy Required?Doctors suggest that routine episiotomy must not be performed in a vaginal delivery, but should be done under the following circumstances:In case the baby seems to be in foetal distress.If the need increases for instrumental birth such as use of ventouse or forceps.In case of a breech birth when the head of the baby is born first.In case if the size of the baby is too large.In case if the mother suffers from serious health issues and episiotomy shall ensure a safe delivery.Care and Recovery after the SurgeryAs discussed above, you need to wait for around a month for all the wounds to heel and dissolve. It is normal to feel some pain in course of the recovery phase. Here is what you can do during this time.As a pain relief measure you may consume paracetamol after consulting a doctor even if you are breast feeding.Ibuprofen is also considered safe when you are breast feeding. However, you should consult with your doctor before taking it, in case your baby was born prematurely.You must not take Aspirin, as that shall get passed into your breast milk.Bathing in warm water can offer the much needed comfort.You may also use cushions while sitting.In case you still need help, you can get in touch with your midwife or doctor and discuss your discomforts with them.Complications Related to EpisiotomyWhile episiotomy sure has some benefits, it is not free from some of the complications as well. Here we shall take a look at some of the probable complications.Problems in closure of the woundChances of an infection increaseBleeding chances cannot be ruled outYou may experience swellingSexual dysfunction for a short while cannot be ruled outYou may experience pain in local regionsHowever, you need to keep in mind that in cases when the unborn child needs to be taken out faster, waiting for the mother to push can cause severe injuries to the baby. Irregular tears, as discussed before may take longer to heel. Thus, episiotomy is generally not performed regularly, but only done in some situations when a chance of severe laceration increases.What is episiotomy? Why is episiotomy performed during labour and delivery? What are the complications associated with episiotomy surgery during delivery? Discuss here.