When a Cut becomes necessary..
• Perineum hasn't had the time to stretch and
the birth is imminent
• When baby is in distress
• If baby's head is too large for the vaginal
opening
• If forceps is required; sometimes it is necessary
to have an episiotomy in forceps delivery
• In breech position complications are very likely
so a cut may become necessary
• If your doctor feels your perineum is going
to tear in several places
• If your doctor feels your perineum is not thinning
and stretching and this is holding your baby back
The Facts..
• Complications can be serious so an episiotomy
should only be performed if medically it is deemed necessary.
Muscles, skin and vessels at the back passage can be
badly damaged especially in instances when the cut is
made too early
• This can result in bruising, swelling and a
tightly stitched perineum which may be quite uncomfortable
for some months, and possibly scarring
• In comparison when you are left to tear naturally,
the tear is adequate enough to let the baby out
• Spontaneous tears are less painful than cuts
• Without an episiotomy your pelvic floor muscles
are likely to be stronger after giving birth
• If you have to have an episiotomy, a local anesthetic
will be administered before the cut is made
• Sometimes an episiotomy is not planned before
hand so the cut will be made without an anesthetic.
Since it will be made at the peak of contractions when
the vaginal tissues are stretched and tight the cut
will be made quite easily and will be literally painless.
• Another shot of anesthetic will be given before
you are stitched up
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