Episiotomy
Though episiotomies are not practiced as a routine, they are
very common to vaginal births. Many women are willing to accept a
vaginal tear but are reluctant to accept a cut that can prove
much safer than an uncontrolled tear. Modern talk claims that a
tear is, in fact less harmful, but tearing of the anal sphincter
must be avoided at all costs. ASK your doctor or midwife about
perineal massage as a method to help prevent tearing.
Episiotomy Procedures:
- A general anesthetic is only administered if special
problems occur. Most likely, the normal epidural
anesthetic or a pudendal nerve block used for the
delivery will be enough.
- During a contraction, the surgeon will use blunt scissors
to make a cut that is angled away from the anal sphincter.
