episiotomy vs. tearing what do you think?

janie33

Just curious on your thoughts, anyone refusing an episiotomy if it comes to that? If so what is your reasoning?

candreco

The only reason my doctor/midwife would do an episiotomy would be if forceps or the vacuum were needed, so I wouldn't really have a choice. 

K8ENC28

My ob's office does not do episiotomies unless it really warrants it.  Evidently they aren't as widely done as they used to be because research doesn't support a quicker/less painful healing witht he episiotomy.  I'm curious to see what others say.

MrsL.inMarch

I'd rather tear to be honest. Cutting is definite, a tear may or may not be. Also if they cut, it may be deeper/longer/wider/more severe than if it naturally tore.

Aprilsies

Eww.... I really don't want to be thinking about this.... whatever works the fastest...if it needs to be done go for it I guess. Ugh... ouch!

LucyGoosey81

Tear for many reasons, unless it is absolutely necessary.

1.  You many NOT actually tear

2.  Most of the time the tear isn't as bad as the episiotomy

3.  Tears generally heal faster than episiotomies

Just for a few

nicole&carl

I talked to my doctor about this and she said it is better to receive an epi because when you tear, it may not be in the direction that would be least painful. I would rather not have one, but it may be necssary.

tigerlillie101

episiotomies are rarely done at my hospital, so I doubt I'll have to come up with a deicison, however, part of me thinks it is better for them to cut a straight line than have a jagged natural tear.

angelynn8411

ditto, candreco. they do perineal massage/stretch while you are in labor to help avoid an episiotomy too.

viola2008

I have had minor episiotomies both times and since my recover was just fine with those I would be afraid of just tearing.  I think this is something that I was afraid of my first time but didn't turn out to be an issue at all with the degree I was cut. 

My opinion is that cutting or tearing doesn't matter much unless you have a big cut or tear.  If you have a big one then you are screwed either way. 

 

MEJ2008

If they told me I needed one, I wouldn't refuse it. I've heard plenty of people that have had them and recovered fine. Definitely wouldn't be my first choice though!!

Wally3

At my hospital episiotomies are rarely done they do message.

angelynn8411

i dont get the "straight line is better than a jagged tear" logic. the tissues of the perineum are very thick, and a jagged tear would overlap and adhere together quicker and easier.

EASwimmer

I started tearing already so the doc just went ahead and cut me more to get him get.  I didn;t care, I didn;t feel it, I had an epi. 

Davesbrat

My bf is a L&D nurse and the way she explained it to me is that if you think of it like a cotton tee shirt, it's more likely to continue to tear if there has already been a cut to help it along.

pivey

Tear - heals faster, may not tear, usually less damage, not having epi, etc.

mr+ms

The research I've read isn't supportive of routine episiotomy. A deliberate cut leads to more severe tears than if you just tore naturally and women report longer and more painful healing after episiotomy. None of that sounds too great. Like a PP said, it's only really necessary in a delivery with forceps, vacuum or maybe if the baby is in distress.

There are positions you can assume while pushing to lessen the chance of tearing.?

TayLynn

The ACOG doesn't even recommend them any more.

My doctor will only do one in an emergency delivery.  Otherwise he takes the time to do peri stretching and massage.

Mrs.BLG

I had an episiotomy b/c they needed to use the vacuum. It honestly wasn't that bad...the worst part was getting stitched b/c I felt it in a few places. I was numbed, but I wasn't as numb on the lower part of the episiotomy as I was on the upper part. I didn't feel the cut at all. So, I really don't see a difference b/t them b/c both require stitches. Some ppl say the tear heals easier though. Oh, and honestly, after about 3 hours of pushing, I didn't care what they did to me to get him out!

hbeemom

I had a tear with my son, and an episiotomy with my daughter and I can honestly say that the episiotomy hurt much worse than the tearing did, even though the tear was more severe.  I will definitely tell my dr. not to do an episiotomy for any reason this time.

Sephora

I wouldn't refuse an episiotomy if was medically necessary.  I tore naturally with DD and only had a 1st degree tear with maybe 4-5 stitches if that.

 I remember telling the doc when I saw all the instruments on the push cart that I was really not interested in getting cut.  Good thing I didn't need to.

I also heard that it is better to tear naturally as oppsed to getting cut.  Something about the healing process and not having to had all of the skin/mucle cut.

Plus...the thought of it it just scheeves me to NO END!!!!

janie33

Awesome! ?Thanks everyone, that just confirms my own thoughts about refusing it.

peanutontheway

Tears are easier to heal but cuts are easier to repair.  I was in on my BFFs labor about a month ago and she wasn't given the option.  They just cut.