I get a lot of questions from patients and potential patients about episiotomies (incision in perineal area to enhance opening during vaginal delivery). I would like to talk about why they are used and then why I generally avoid them all together, although there are rare circumstances where they may be necessary. Years ago episiotomy was used on a regular basis by many physicians and some midwives to expedite the delivery of the baby by making the vaginal opening larger. Many felt and some still do probably that a nice clean incision is better than a spontaneous vaginal tear that could be jagged, etc. There are some emergency situations that occasionally warrant an episiotomy. The first being shoulder dystocia. In the event that the head delivers and the shoulders get stuck, if it is really tight fit, the episiotomy can help make room for practitioners hand to reach in and help relieve the dystocia. The other time is if the head is crowning and has been for some time and fetal heart rate is dropping and having the ability to rapidly deliver for the safety of the baby may be a time that episiotomy is useful.
Now for the downfalls, and the reason why I almost never cut episiotomies. There is ample evidence that suggests that cutting an episiotomy even a lateral one increases the risk of third and fourth degree lacerations meaning the tear has extended through the anal sphincter and rectum. Cutting and episiotomy is like cutting material. When you make a cut, subsequent tearing is much easier and generally more severe than had that skin been left intact and only torn slighty naturally or not at all. There are consequences for women with third and fourth degree lacerations besides the pain of healing. These severe types of lacerations increase the risk for anal incontinence as well as other problems such as having fecal matter in the vagina if they are not repaired correctly. So, this is the reason why episiotomies are frowned upon generally. Plus, a little patience and allowing the perineal skin to stretch on it's own almost always leads to a safe delivery, less tearing, and better recovery for the mother.
Hope this answers any questions about episiotomy!!
4 comments:
It's comforting to know your view on episiotomies. Thanks for posting.
i had to cross my legs while i read this post. ;) one of my NYC friends tore horizontally (like her labia? something like that) during her last delivery, and she said her OB had to "call plastics" to try to fix her up. but it was nasty, and it was a long road to recovery. how often does that happen??
Hi Christy. I am unable to find an e-mail address for you and cannot call your office as I am currently in the Philippines. I will be moving back to Utah next week. I'm about 14 week pregnant and am really wanting to try a midwife this time around. My friend, Stacey Abel, referred me to you. I wanted to contact you to schedule an appointment with you for when I get back. Anytime after December 4th :) If you text message, I can be reached at my Google Voice # 801-960-2208. If not, please e-mail me at sophiesaurus@gmail.com.
Thank you so much!
In February 2017, my immune system was not functioning correctly and my primary care physician did a N.A.E.T. Treatment with Laser Acupuncture and Auricular Acupuncture to try to desensitize my body from the different allergies and allergies to the metals. This procedure began to make me drained and very fatigued. He recommended that I have a GI Stool test done as I was having GI issues in February 2017, to check for parasites, pathogens, bacterial flora, and fungi/yeasts. The results showed that I had a Bacterial Pathogen called Salmonella, high amounts of normal bacterial flora, called Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia spp., 2 parasites called Dientamoeba fragilis and Endolimax nana, and 2 types of fungi/yeasts called Candida spp. and Geotrichum spp. The doctor recommended that I take Dr Itua Herbal Medicine to get rid of the Candida as that was the main concern at the time and I did purchase Dr Itua Herbal Medicine and after taking it all as instructed I was totally cured so is a urged form of heart to believe in herbal medicines but yes indeed natural remedies should be recognize around the globe because is the only healing that has no side effect on each every healing, I will recommend anyone here with health challenge to contact Dr Itua Herbal Center on E-Mail drituaherbalcenter@gmail.com / Www.drituaherbalcenter.com he capable of all kind of disease like Cancer,Hiv,Herpes,Kidney disease,Parkinson,ALS,Copd. with a complete cure without coming back.
Post a Comment