Episiotomy?

Question

I had an episiotomy with my first child (they cut me and I riped), what are the chances that I will have to have another one with my second?

Answer 1

My wife had one with our first born, she didn't have one with our second daughter but still needed stitches as she'd torn bad; the midwife left us while she was in full labour and she gave birth all alone in the toilet.

Answer 2

Episiotomy is mostly needed in the first pregnancy. Chances are very low in second pregnancy unless you have a large baby, you got some other problems, etc.

Answer 3

I am sorry to hear about your first experience. Skip the induction drugs and the epidural drugs so that you can deliver in an upright position. This will allow you greater control over the speed of the delivery, also it is hard for them to get at you when you are in an upright position. Tell them at each prenatal appointment that you do not want an episiotomy. It is better to risk a tear than be cut with a knife and then tear. A natural tear, if there is one, always heals quickly and with little trauma. Best wishes, G

Answer 4

I got a 3rd degree tear with my 1st baby. They did not cut me in time. I was recommended to have a c-section with my second baby because it was only 21 months later, but my third baby was delivered completely naturally, on my back, she was back to back and weighed 8lb 8. I did not even get a small tear. Anything is possible.

It is better if they cut you before you tear yourself because it can save your muscle. Better to have a straight cut than a jagged one. Jagged cuts take up more surface area so makes your perineum less stretchy.

Answer 5

Well, the first question is, did you HAVE to have an episiotomy with your first labor, or did the doctor cut you routinely?

  If it was a routine episiotomy, then you probably won't need one this time.  (Most women do not require one.)  If there was  clear need ... it's possible you will need one again, but there is no way to be sure.  It would depend on a lot of different factors. (Size of baby's head, specific presentation, your position, how fast baby descends, etc.)

There is certainly no harm in doing whatever you can to minimize the chance of having another (massage, chosing a care provider who doesn't do them routinely, pushing in a position other than 'flat-on-your-back)  -- but if you do need one, you will get one.