Would you recommend an episiotomy?

sws684 · December 2013

I've been getting very mixed thoughts regarding whether or not to get an episiotomy or risk tearing.

ABColeslaw · December 2013

Dude, it isn't like you go in on your birth plan saying "I want one" that isn't really how it works. I really wouldn't be too worried about it. If you need one, you'll get it, if you don't you may or may not tear and it may or may not be something that is a couple stitches and what not.

I had a full episiotomy and vac suck deliver because my son was in distress and it was too late for a c-section. No I would NEVER recommend it to anyone unless they HAD to do it. I had a very painful recovery, had to be restitched a week later, AND pooping was just a scary scary experience for the better part of a year.

Chellbell20 · December 2013

Mine led to a 3rd degree tear. I am doing everything I can to avoid one again. I would never ever recommend one unless it was absolutely necessary.

runningyogimama · December 2013

If my dr still did episiotomies as a common practice if baby isn't in distress, I would wonder what other practices/thoughts my dr had that were out of date. Like abcoleslaw said, you're not going to go in with this, "ooh! I want to be cut!" mindset.

I had an episiotomy because DD was in distress and still had a second degree tear. I wasn't really sore past the first couple of days (although the first poop was scary!), but my stitches also hadn't dissolved by my 6 week pp checkup, so I wasn't cleared for sex yet ( not that I cared....).

pandadair · December 2013

ABColeslaw said:

Dude, it isn't like you go in on your birth plan saying "I want one" that isn't really how it works. I really wouldn't be too worried about it. If you need one, you'll get it, if you don't you may or may not tear and it may or may not be something that is a couple stitches and what not.

I had a full episiotomy and vac suck deliver because my son was in distress and it was too late for a c-section. No I would NEVER recommend it to anyone unless they HAD to do it. I had a very painful recovery, had to be restitched a week later, AND pooping was just a scary scary experience for the better part of a year.

?????? Mine says "slice that taint straight to the butthole".

TheBeeCharmer · December 2013

I chose to tear rather than be cut. I had a 2nd degree tear both times. I still needed stitches but it wasn't horrible. My tears were not as deep as most cuts so I'd rather avoid it. But, for some people the tear would've been worse.

ksyknelvr73 · December 2013

I'm apparently the minority here, but I had an episotomy and I had zero complications or issues and no tearing to go along with it. The doctor recommended it while I was pushing b/c my son's head was too big and I gave him permission. I had a really smooth and easy recovery and I'd do it again.

I know that's not the case for everyone, but I felt like it was a good choice for me at the time.

RickiLea25 · December 2013

I am interested in other peoples experiences with the big E. With my DS I had an episiotomy after pushing for 2 1/2 hours with little success.
15 months later with my DD I tore naturally after maybe 20 minutes or so.
Although I will agree with the thought that I don't neccasarily want to sign up for it, the tearing was not ideal. My healing time with the tear vs episiotomy was twice as long. Also, for me personally, the healing and tenderness, ect are now a part of pregnancy and delivery.
Not to sound like a moron, is it possible to not tear this 3rd time? I am obviously expecting to tear given my prior deliveries, but I would love to have a glimmer of hope. Please note: I plan to speak with my midwife when I see her next week.

sisterjanet · December 2013

I remember they asked me when my son was crowning and I said I'd rather they didn't, so they didn't. I had a very small tear more towards the front, sort of on my labia with a couple stitches and no problems healing.

momo214 · December 2013

I am a FTM but after chatting with some gfs about this I had a convo with my OB about her style. She told me that they will do everything to prevent tearing, but if the time comes and you're going to rip clear from north to south, she feels its better to go for a clean cut than a full tear. I'm on board with that so I can't really vote ether way besides see below.

Allibob · December 2013

Something to consider: an episiotomy is more likely to tear in subsequent deliveries. It doesn't have the strength of a natural tear scar (jagged vs straight).

typeset · December 2013

My hospital has a 3% episiotomy rate. They aren't routinely done anymore. My husband is under orders to stop the OB if he or she tries to cut me without my consent. I refused one with my son and will do so again if asked ("You're going to tear anyway ..."). Having talked to moms who have experienced both, I'd rather take my second degree tear and an easier recovery than risk having a cut go even deeper. The OB used oil and supported my perineum while crowning to help alleviate some of the damage.

deanna1313 · December 2013

I figure if I need one okay, if not, then great. I know people who have had an episiotomy, but haven't had too many bad things to say about it. Hope it isn't too bad if I need one.

MrsLeanna · December 2013

ABColeslaw said:

Dude, it isn't like you go in on your birth plan saying "I want one" that isn't really how it works. I really wouldn't be too worried about it. If you need one, you'll get it, if you don't you may or may not tear and it may or may not be something that is a couple stitches and what not.

I had a full episiotomy and vac suck deliver because my son was in distress and it was too late for a c-section. No I would NEVER recommend it to anyone unless they HAD to do it. I had a very painful recovery, had to be restitched a week later, AND pooping was just a scary scary experience for the better part of a year.

Yeah, this. I wouldn't recommend it or go in asking for it. But sometimes you need it. I would never presume to second guess a dr and tell him no either. I've delivered 2 kids vaginally, my first I pushed for a very long time and she was't fitting because I have a narrow pelvis. My OB did the epi and I still tore badly, I healed up fine. With my second, I guess since I had already delivered a baby, it was easier, no need for an epi, and I barely even tore, she was out in 3 pushes.

MrsLeanna · December 2013

Allibob said:

Something to consider: an episiotomy is more likely to tear in subsequent deliveries. It doesn't have the strength of a natural tear scar (jagged vs straight).

This was not my experience at all. My epi from my first delivery was totally healed therefore why would it have any bearing on my second? I barely had any tearing at all and no need for an episitomy with my second delivery.

typeset · December 2013

MrsLeanna said: I would never presume to second guess a dr and tell him no either.

Zero problems second guessing a doc here--and not just in this circumstance. The cut is easier for him or her to repair than a tear. Barring emergency or baby's distress, doesn't mean it's better for mom.

jenb_99 · December 2013

I recommend whatever gets the baby out safely. It's popular to go for natural tears these days, but depending on your body and the size of your baby's head and shoulders, a controlled cut can be a good thing. I'd rather have an episiotomy than a 3rd- or 4th-degree tear. Then again, I rock a 7-inch c-section scar from DS and I'm thrilled to be doing it again with this one, so maybe I'm just easy.

LUCKY22 · December 2013

typeset said:

My hospital has a 3% episiotomy rate. They aren't routinely done anymore. My husband is under orders to stop the OB if he or she tries to cut me without my consent. I refused one with my son and will do so again if asked ("You're going to tear anyway ..."). Having talked to moms who have experienced both, I'd rather take my second degree tear and an easier recovery than risk having a cut go even deeper. The OB used oil and supported my perineum while crowning to help alleviate some of the damage.

I definitely recommend making your husband aware of your preferences. My epi didn't take so I was pretty much in my own world dealing with the labor and not all that outwardly aware. My husband saw the doctor get the scissors ready and asked him to wait then told me what was going on. It was the motivation I needed to get that baby out!

MrsLeanna · December 2013

kitchencolors said:

MrsLeanna said:

Allibob said:

Something to consider: an episiotomy is more likely to tear in subsequent deliveries. It doesn't have the strength of a natural tear scar (jagged vs straight).

This was not my experience at all. My epi from my first delivery was totally healed therefore why would it have any bearing on my second? I barely had any tearing at all and no need for an episitomy with my second delivery.

Scar tissue of all kinds is more likely to tear than tissue that has never torn before (that's one of the dangers of lots of c-sections.... uterine rupture along past c-section scar lines). A straight clean cut line of scar tissue is weaker than a jagged natural tear, so it's more likely to tear again.

I was just telling you my personal experience. I had less tearing with my second delivery which was after an episitomy and tear. I barely tore with my second, it was so much easier.

MrsLeanna · December 2013

kitchencolors said:

MrsLeanna said:

ABColeslaw said:

Dude, it isn't like you go in on your birth plan saying "I want one" that isn't really how it works. I really wouldn't be too worried about it. If you need one, you'll get it, if you don't you may or may not tear and it may or may not be something that is a couple stitches and what not.

I had a full episiotomy and vac suck deliver because my son was in distress and it was too late for a c-section. No I would NEVER recommend it to anyone unless they HAD to do it. I had a very painful recovery, had to be restitched a week later, AND pooping was just a scary scary experience for the better part of a year.

Yeah, this. I wouldn't recommend it or go in asking for it. But sometimes you need it. I would never presume to second guess a dr and tell him no either. I've delivered 2 kids vaginally, my first I pushed for a very long time and she was't fitting because I have a narrow pelvis. My OB did the epi and I still tore badly, I healed up fine. With my second, I guess since I had already delivered a baby, it was easier, no need for an epi, and I barely even tore, she was out in 3 pushes.

Just to be clear, no one has said that they would say no if the doctor presents a medically compelling reason... people are saying they'd say no to a cut if it's presented as an OPTION.

No need to clarify, I wasn't debating it, I've just heard on other boards and other people how they would say NO to epis under any circumstances, not saying anyone on this thread said it.

LindsayB0505 · December 2013

I did not want an episiotomy and ended up having a 3rd degree tear that took over 7 weeks to heal and I could barely walk or sit. It was sooooo painful. Thankfully it healed nicely when it finally did heal. I don't know if it would have been better or worse if I just let them do the episiotomy.

JKTTC1 · December 2013

I had a full episiotomy and vac suck deliver because my son was in distress and it was too late for a c-section. No I would NEVER recommend it to anyone unless they HAD to do it. I had a very painful recovery, had to be restitched a week later, AND pooping was just a scary scary experience for the better part of a year.

This. Same here. Pushed for 3 hours and full episiotomy and vac suction DS1 was born with head trauma and blue. There was no choice. They tried cutting me once and didnt help so they asked my husband if it was okay to keep going. I was completely in a different world and unaware of what was going on. Worst pain ever for a long time.

Sex at 3 months was killer and not okay till 6 months. Definitely difficult to wipe or use the bathroom for a long time too!

MrsT2008 · December 2013

My OB avoids episiotomies at all costs. Says research (and their experiences) show that natural tears heal better.

sthomas1222 · December 2013

3rd degree tear here, there was no crowning DD literally shot out. My wonderful hospital automatically sets you up with an extra 6 week appt with a perineal specialist. After waaaaay too much probing in places I'd rather not talk about... I was told 90% chance I would never tear that bad again. Scar tissue from a tear IS stronger than a cut. And yes EVIDENCE-based practice has shown an episiotomy is more likely to result in a 3rd or 4th degree tear (and omj I'm not saying you WILL continue tearing along your episiotomy, it just greatly increases your chances of a worse tear). So, unless my child is in distress and needs out NOW keep all cutlery away from my vagina, kthnx.

kat8805 · December 2013

I keep coming back to this, thinking it has to be a trick question. Because other than life or death, who is going to opt for a cut, when there is only the *possibility* of a tear. Either way, they will need to repair the damage, but if you end up not tearing, the cut was pointless. And as PP's have said, research shows a cut will more than likely lead to a worse tear than if there was no cut to begin with. Do what you feel is best for you.

Edit for dumbphone syndrome

typeset · December 2013

kat8805 said:

I keep coming back to this, thinking it has to be a trick question. Because other than life or death, who is going to opt for a cut, when there is only the *possibility* of a tear.

The docs who do them as a matter of course without gaining consent make me shudder. They're still out there.

sthomas1222 · December 2013

kitchencolors said:

typeset said:

kat8805 said:

I keep coming back to this, thinking it has to be a trick question. Because other than life or death, who is going to opt for a cut, when there is only the *possibility* of a tear.

The docs who do them as a matter of course without gaining consent make me shudder. They're still out there.

It is a little scary.

At least it's not: "Welcome to labor and delivery, where we escort your H to the waiting room for drinks and smokes while we shave you, give you an enema, strap you to a table, drug you up, come back once the baby is out, then wake you up and you'll have no memory of what happened even though you were screaming and crying and trying to escape and were left in your own excrement." But it feels eerily similar.

Omj yes this. We were talking the other day at the hospital meeting how the nurses have to ask a hundred questions as you're strapped down squirming through the contractions. And the OB was like "could be worse, we used to greet you with an enema & a shave!" The history of our maternal care system is terrifying. Ever read about the guy who came up with the device where they strap you down & spin the baby out like a freaking centrifuge? Thank god that didn't work! I've found that going to the uk baby sites gives a bit more sound evidence-based information, though not always

kat8805 · December 2013

typeset said:

kat8805 said:

I keep coming back to this, thinking it has to be a trick question. Because other than life or death, who is going to opt for a cut, when there is only the *possibility* of a tear.

The docs who do them as a matter of course without gaining consent make me shudder. They're still out there.

And that's why I don't like doctors. Or any one who abuses their knowledge on a certain issue. Just because they know a lot, doesn't mean they know better. You know what they say, power corrupts. But we are expected to trust our medical experts because they took an oath. Underneath all that knowledge is still a human, flaws and all.

Want a personalized experience?

Would you recommend an episiotomy?

Would you recommend an episiotomy? 128 votes

Re: Would you recommend an episiotomy?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards