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Episiotomy

Dear Anai,

I am little over 8 months right now and all I can think about is the labor and delivery. Can you tell my anything about episiotomy? Give me the gory details, I can take it! Thanks a bunch!

Derra from Orlando, Florida.

Answer:

An Episiotomy is an incision performed from the vagina towards the rectum to assist in delivery. This is sometimes necessary to avoid tearing during the moment the baby's head emerges out of the vaginal canal.

You will need to discuss your options prior to the actual Episiotomy. Some advise "stretching" the vagina to avoid the Episiotomy, but this can cause loss of sexual feeling later on. You may be given an enema before the idea of Episiotomy arises.\n\n There are different methods of Episiotomy, four to be exact. The following are the different degrees along with a brief description:

First Degree Episiotomy: Cuts only the skin on the layer

Second Degree Episiotomy: Cuts underlying tissue along with outer layer of skin

Third Degree Episiotomy: Cuts the above listed along with the rectal sphincter (the muscle that surrounds the anus)

Fourth Degree Episiotomy: Cuts all above listed along with cutting through the rectal mucosa

After the delivery is over, and placenta is expelled (third stage labour), the layers that were cut by Episiotomy are closed with sutures that absorb into the skin. You will not need to return to have these removed. It may take upwards of 4 weeks for the cuts to fully heal. Your doctor may prescribe acetaminophen to help with the pain. This drug of choice is safe for women who plan to breast feed.

Copyright ©1997 Anai Rhoads.