How to Prepare for an Episiotomy

An episiotomy is a surgical cut from a woman's perineum to her vagina. This procedure is performed on a pregnant woman during childbirth to make the delivery easier and avoid the possibility of tearing. It could also be done if the baby is in distress or if the mother has a narrow birth canal. This procedure used to be practiced frequently, even when it wasn't needed. Just to make childbirth happen faster, the attending physician would perform the episiotomy at the start of the childbirth process.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Prepare for an Episiotomy

1. Ask your doctor about what to expect during childbirth and state your preferences. Some obstetricians still believe in routine episiotomies. You have a choice and should be asked for your consent.

2. Sign the consent form. This indicates that you have discussed the episiotomy with your doctor, you are fully aware of all that it entails and you would like to go ahead with it.

3. Let your doctor know about the medications you are taking, any allergies you may have and any health conditions you may suffer from. It is important for your doctor to have this information ahead of time in order to prepare for the procedure. For instance, if you are allergic to something that is normally used in the delivery room, there will be enough time to arrange for a substitute.

4. Prepare for your baby with your recovery in mind. Place the items you will need for baby care within easy reach. This will help to minimize painful movements for you.

5. Make arrangements for someone to help you with the baby during the first few days after your delivery and episiotomy so that you will get a chance to rest. A well-rested body heals faster.

6. Consider purchasing items you can use to sit comfortably after your surgery, for instance, a donut cushion or a rubber ring.

Tips & Warnings

• Research has shown that episiotomies cause more problems than they solves. Less than 1/3 of doctors perform this procedure now.
• Be aware that episiotomies are not necessary. You will heal faster and have less complications from a tear than an episiotomy.
• Having an episiotomy increases the amount of blood lost during childbirth.
• Episiotomies usually lead to more tears down to the anal sphincter. This weakens the pelvic floor and could lead to anal incontinence.
• Episiotomies cause more pain during post-natal recovery, take longer to heal and increase the amount of time a woman must wait before she can have sex again.

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