When you speak to friends and family members you may hear them talk about having had ‘the cut’ during birth otherwise known as an Episiotomy. Without any knowledge of why or how this is performed can be very damaging to an expectant parent because it sounds scary and horrific. I discuss Episiotomy in class. Gaining a little knowledge from qualified professionals on the ‘scarier’ topics will help empower you to remove any fear surrounding your birth. Knowledge is power!
An episiotomy is a cut into the perineum. The perineum is the bit between your lady area and bottom. You’ll be pleased to read that episiotomies are performed with your consent, under local anaesthetic (the area is numbed first) and they are not routinely performed for a NATURAL birth in the UK. The two main reasons why it would be highly recommended in a NATURAL birth are:
- Your baby is very distressed and it will speed up the birth which will help your baby and ensure their safety. We can tell if your baby is distressed from listening to their heart beat.
- Your baby’s presentation. For example if their face is presenting first as apposed to the top of their head. This part doesn’t mould as well when these babies birth and therefore you are more likely to be left with a deeper tear if an episiotomy isn’t performed.
Episiotomies are more common in instrumental deliveries. They are performed only with consent from you but are highly recommended to prevent you from having a deep tear to your bottom. This type of tear is more likely in these births due to the instrument being used and the fact that the birth is being sped up.
If you too would like to prepare properly for your birth by attending the same 5 *, Midwife led antenatal course please click here.
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