Episiotomy: what it is and what are the consequences after childbirth
Episiotomy is a small surgery that is performed during childbirth. It is a small incision that is made to the mother on the vaginal wall and on the muscles of the perineum, a few moments before the expulsive phase. This small cut is made when the baby's head appears and serves to facilitate its exit and avoid lacerations or reduce the risk.
Why is an episiotomy done?
Episiotomy is performed when the child has a too big head, to speed up the expulsion and avoid too much suffering. It is also used when the baby is breech, when forceps are needed or if the mother's perineum hinders delivery. In any case, it is a practice of immediate intervention during a natural birth, and serves above all to facilitate the phase of labor for both the mother and the baby. Often the cut procured by the doctor is stitched up immediately, if the mother has given birth under epidural anesthesia. In the case of birth without an epidural, the doctor makes a "local anesthesia precisely to practice the sutures on the cut in the perineum."
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The pains of childbirth can be faced today, thanks to pharmacological research, with various solutions. In this video you can find out which are, including the most common, the epidural. It is an anesthesia that allows you not to feel pain during the expulsive phase of labor, and at the same time, allows you to perform an episiotomy without the need for further anesthesia. . Find out everything from Tata Simona's story!
When is an episiotomy used?
Until a decade ago, episiotomy was a routine practice, because it was considered a kind of lesser evil, which avoided what were considered major risks, produced by laceration of the perineum, anus muscle and bladder. However, in recent years there has been a long debate on the concrete advantages of this surgery: some in-depth studies have shown that often the small tears that occur spontaneously during natural birth heal better and faster than those practiced during birth. episiotomy. Often, in fact, in the first case, sutures are not even needed.
Episiotomy: the consequences not to be underestimated
The consequences of the episiotomy are not to be underestimated, because they can also last in the medium term, and not only immediately after delivery. During the paramedian episiotomy, according to its technical term, the woman could lose the same blood lost during a caesarean section. . Urinary or fecal incontinence can also occur during the healing phase. However, one of the most annoying consequences of episiotomy is slow healing.
Slow healing from episiotomy
During the first week, in the immediate post partum, the episiotomy scarring could be quite painful, with postural difficulties: the pain is felt, for example, when sitting. The stitches and the scar cause pain, which will not go away so quickly, so it is advisable to arm yourself with patience. In fact, the duration of healing is very subjective and it is difficult to indicate precise timing. A little trick to relieve the discomfort is to use the "donut" to sit down, which avoids exerting direct pressure on the scar. Another trick is to carefully dry the spots after a shower, using a low temperature hairdryer and avoiding dabbing with a towel, so as not to cause skin maceration.
Episiotomy and sexual intercourse: how long does it take to return to normal?
Returning to normal sexual intercourse after an episiotomy takes some time. As we said, healing is slow because the scar does not dry out quickly, as it is an intimate area that is not very exposed to air and light. It is usually a good idea to wait and start thinking about relationships with your partner at least one month after giving birth. After a month, if you still do not feel fit, consult your trusted gynecologist, who will also be able to advise you by examining the scar. Don't rush, if the scar hasn't healed completely, sexual intercourse could only rekindle the pain. It is important to listen to your body and respect its timing.
