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How to prevent an episiotomy?
Side effects of episiotomy Many women undergo episiotomy while delivering a baby. Episiotomy could lead to serious side effects, thus various researches are being done on how to prevent an episiotomy. A woman can suffer from infection, bruising, swelling and bleeding post delivery. You may have to keep away from having sex for several weeks or even months due to painful scar after an episiotomy. Episiotomy can take a long time to heal. In severe cases a sexual intercourse can be painful for few days even after the wound is healed. Avoiding an episiotomy The first step to avoid unnecessary episiotomy is to discuss the issue with your health care provider. You should seek answers to your queries regarding child birth. An episiotomy can be prevented with few important techniques. Massage the perineum Perineal massage is one way to prevent tearing during delivery and to avoid episiotomy. One can start perineal massage for 5-10 minutes daily from 34th or 35th week of the pregnancy until labour. It is better to discus about perineal massage with your care provider before starting with it. Trim your fingernails and wash your hands thoroughly before getting started with perineal massage. Find a private place and sit in a comfortable posture. Rub enough oil or lubricant on your fingers so that it will be easy to massage the perineal tissues and lower vaginal wall. You can use KY jelly, olive oil, vitamin E oil, almond oil or pure vegetable oil on your thumb or around the perineum for proper lubrication. It is comfortable to use your thumb to do perineal massage. Insert your thumb into the vagina. Using gentle but firm pressure to massage the base and the side walls of the vagina, try making a 'U' shape. Massaging lower part of your vagina gently in an outward direction helps to stretch the tissues making them ready for child birth. Kegel Exercises The other way to prevent episiotomy is practicing Kegel exercise. It is a pelvic floor exercise. Stopping and starting the flow of urine or tightening and relaxing the pelvic muscles are the basic forms of Kegel exercise. The stretching of the muscles gives good exercise to the perineum tissues thus preventing tears and episiotomy during child birth. Healthy diet and deep breathing Apart from perineal massage and Kegel exercise you need to intake good nutrition and follow a healthy diet. Controlling your breathing and pushing during pregnancy will make birth easy. There are several cases where episiotomy is carried out without its requirement. Learning techniques to prevent an episiotomy is one of the important aspects of prenatal care to avoid trouble in the post pregnancy. Of course one may need to undergo episiotomy in severe cases where it is unavoidable. If you are planning a baby or if you are pregnant, have a word with your doctor and avoid unnecessary episiotomy.
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