Name: Mansi

Got this info from a website, hope u all will be interested to read this article.

~ Mansi

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The definition of an episiotomy is simple; an incision in the perineum to allow enough room in the vaginal opening for the baby's head and shoulders to emerge without tearing. The results however aren't quite as simple. Women experiencing the after affects of an episiotomy deal with burning, swelling, itching, inability to strain or sit down, as well as sutures and possible infection. The area in which the episiotomy is performed is a sensitive one, and the subject is just as touchy.

Episiotomies are the most commonly performed operation in the delivery room, with first time mothers receiving the operation the most. The operation is usually performed during the second (pushing) stage of labor. The doctor uses a local anesthetic to numb the area, or sometimes makes the cut while the mother is pushing, thus numbing the area with the pushing sensation and then carefully makes an incision in the muscle between the vagina and anus. The vaginal opening is then large enough for the infant's head and shoulders to pass through without tearing or ripping the delicate muscle. The incision then receives sutures which dissolve within 1-2 weeks.

Episiotomies have been a standard procedure for quite some time, until recently when studies began to show that the procedure might actually cause greater pain and damage than allowing the perineum to tear on its own. Women who avoided having an episiotomy actually had better strength in their pelvic floor muscles three to four months after giving birth in comparison with those women who received one. The risks associated with episiotomies which include rectal damage, severe infections and spinchter muscle damage have raised awareness in the medical community and demanded more education about the procedure.

Not all episiotomies can be avoided though. Breech vaginal births usually require an episiotomy and more often than not the procedure cannot be avoided. By enlarging the vaginal opening the doctor or midwife can better manipulate a breech baby through the vaginal opening. Letting the perineum tear naturally under these circumstances can result in a fourth degree laceration in which the tear extends through the rectum. Mothers birthing larger infants can also expect to receive an episiotomy in order to avoid severe tearing.

If you are concerned about receiving an episiotomy, speak with your doctor or midwife. Most medical practitioners will work with you, and suggest methods that can help you avoid having to receive one. Different laboring positions, such as side lying, can play an essential role in avoiding an episiotomy or severe tearing. Because the perineum needs time to stretch during the pushing stage, the use of breathing techniques and the side lying position might actually slow the labor to allow time for it to stretch, and helping the mother resist the urge to push too quickly.

With increasing studies showing that episiotomies can often be avoided, expectant mothers are beginning to weigh the pros and cons of having one. The short term benefits of having an episiotomy do not always outweigh the long term benefits, including stronger pelvic floor muscles, quicker healing time and less risk of severe infections. While not all episiotomies can be avoided, most can, and with patience during the pushing stage, most mothers can give birth with only minor tears, if any at all.

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