How to avoid episiotomy during delivery?
How to reduce the risk of an episiotomy? Both can help reduce the risk of needing an assisted birth and episiotomy. Having a birth attendant support the perineum (i.e. with a warm compress) during pushing and crowning can help prevent tearing and facilitate tissue stretching. If the tissue is allowed to slowly stretch while being supported the need for an episiotomy is reduced.
When do you get an episiotomy during birth? An episiotomy is an incision made on the perineum – the tissue between the vagina and anus – during birth. This procedure is performed during the second stage of labor, the pushing stage. The purpose of the procedure is to make the vaginal opening wider for birth.
Why is an episiotomy done in the perineum? The procedure was also thought to help preserve the muscular and connective tissue support of the pelvic floor. Today, however, research suggests that routine episiotomies don’t prevent these problems after all. An episiotomy is an incision made in the perineum — the tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus — during childbirth.
What should I put in my vagina to avoid an episiotomy? Apply a lubricant like vitamin E oil or cocoa butter to your perineum, avoid lubricants such as petroleum jelly, baby oil, or mineral oil as these can cause vaginal infections. Insert your thumbs into your vagina and pull toward the sides and press downward, stretching your perineum very gently.
What should I do if I have an episiotomy?
What should I do if I have an episiotomy? A episiotomy requires regular medical and home care. A physician may advise a patient to take pain relievers for pain reduction, and will determine the type for the patient. For example, some patients may be advised to use aspirin, while patients with an aspirin allergy will be advised to use other pain relievers.
How is an episiotomy different from a mediolateral incision? An episiotomy is an incision made in the perineum — the tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus — during childbirth. A midline (median) incision (shown at left) is done vertically. A mediolateral incision (shown at right) is done at an angle. A midline incision is easier to repair, but it has a higher risk of extending into the anal area.
What are the risks of an episiotomy infection? Another possible episiotomy risk is a wound infection, so a patient should be proactive and check that the episiotomy site is healing without complications. A patient should also ask detailed questions about caring for the surgical site.
Why is an episiotomy done in the perineum? The procedure was also thought to help preserve the muscular and connective tissue support of the pelvic floor. Today, however, research suggests that routine episiotomies don’t prevent these problems after all. An episiotomy is an incision made in the perineum — the tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus — during childbirth.