What are the indications for episiotomies?

-   Birth is imminent and the perineum hasn’t had time to stretch

-   Baby or mother appears to be in distress

-   Baby’s head appears too large for the vaginal opening

-   Baby is in a breech presentation

-   Mother is exhausted

-   Mother is facing a forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery

-   Mother has had a previous pelvic surgery

-   Mother isn’t able to control her pushing

-   To avoid a severe vaginal tear

How is it done?

To start with, you will be injected with a local anesthetic in your perineum (the area between your vagina and rectum). Next, a mediolateral incision (angled down away from the vagina and the perineum) will be made to increase the size of your vaginal opening.

Once you have delivered your baby and placenta, your doctor will suture your incision. To finish up, an ice pack will be placed against your perineum to ease the initial pain and swelling.

If you do have an episiotomy, here are some tips to reduce the pain and discomfort -

-    Cold Pack: Applying a cold pack helps to reduce swelling and pain.

-    Fiber: Constipation, hemorrhoids, and pressure from the uterus on the rectum can cause extra discomfort. To combat this, be sure to eat a fiber-rich diet, fruits, and vegetables.

-    Drink at least eight glasses of water daily.

-    Make sure to clean the vaginal area after you use the bathroom and then pat it dry.

-    Sitz Bath: Soak the affected area in a clean bathtub or a regular tub. The water only needs to be high enough to cover your wound.

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