| This small cut widens the vaginal opening and prevents a tear. To avoid an episiotomy, learn how to relax your pelvic floor muscles. Mostly first pregnancies need episiotomy. |
An episiotomy is indeed necessary in the following conditions.
- The baby is breech, premature, distressed, or has a big head.
- You have an assisted delivery.
- You are having difficulty controlling your pushing.
- The skin around your vaginal opening hasn't stretched enough.
- For most of women having first delivery (PRIMI).
|
Your pelvic floor area will be numbed with an injection of local anesthetic, and a small cut is made from the bottom of the vagina, usually slightly out to one side, at the peak of the contraction.
Stitching up after an episiotomy or a tear may take some time, as the different layers of skin and muscles have to be carefully sewn together. The stitches are soluble and do not have to be removed. Pain and soreness is relieved by painkillers and antibiotics. |
