How to Reduce Your Chances of Having an Episiotomy

An episiotomy should not be considered a trivial or unavoidable part of delivery. An episiotomy is not always necessary and you should be a part of deciding whether or not to have this procedure. This article discusses ways to reduce your chances of having to have an episiotomy during your delivery.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Practice Kegel exercises. Do at least 100 Kegels a day for the last 6 months of your pregnancy.

2. Do not deliver you baby lying on your back with your feet in stirrups. This is the least effective birthing position. Using this position causes your muscles to tense and may lead to tearing or the need for an episiotomy. Women who use the squatting or side lying position can lessen the chance of tearing and, therefore, lessen the need for an episiotomy.

3. Control the pushing during delivery. Pushing too hard will may cause you to give birth too quickly. This will not allow the perineum to stretch gradually and can lead to tearing or the need for an episiotomy.

4. Ease into the crowning stage of delivery. When you feel a burring sensation during delivery, this means that your perineal tissues are beginning to stretch. When this happens, ease up on pushing. Allow the doctor to gently maneuver the baby out. This will lessen the chances of tearing and the need for an episiotomy.

Tips & Warnings

• Discuss the topic of episiotomies with your doctor during the 8- or 9-month prenatal visit.
• It has been shown that routine episiotomies are unnecessary and even risky.
• Many women experience weeks or even months of discomfort from their episiotomy.

Resources

• Episiotomy overview

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[WickerWoman]

on 7/28/2008 What a great article! Too bad I couldn't have used these techniques over 30 years ago when I had my children, but we had no choice on the position. Always on our backs with feet in stirrups. 5 stars