Childbirth is a beautiful, albeit challenging, experience. It brings about a whole range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. But beyond the emotional toll it takes, it can also take a physical toll on the mother’s body. One of the most common interventions during childbirth is an episiotomy.
“I was really nervous about having an episiotomy, but my doctor explained that it was necessary to help the baby come out safely. The recovery was tough, but I followed my doctor’s instructions and took care of the area as best I could. It took a few weeks, but eventually, the pain subsided, and I felt like myself again,” wrote one mum.
Aside from the pain, one of the things that may cause anxiety among women about childbirth can be getting stitches down there, better known as an episiotomy. One reason for this may be that they don’t know what to expect with the whole process – will it hurt? Will it affect their recovery?
In this article, we’ll try to provide answers to your burning questions about this topic. We’ll explore what an episiotomy is, who gets one, the risks of not properly caring for it, and how to take care of it.
What is an Episiotomy
First things first, what is an episiotomy? An episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the perineum, the area between the vaginal opening and the anus, to widen the vaginal opening during childbirth. It is usually done to prevent the tearing of the perineum and to make it easier for the baby to be born.
The procedure is usually done when the baby is in distress or when the mother is having difficulty pushing the baby out. However, it is worth noting that not all women require an episiotomy during childbirth.
Who Gets an Episiotomy?
While it used to be a routine procedure during childbirth, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) now recommends that episiotomies should only be done when medically necessary.
According to ACOG, episiotomies are recommended in cases where the baby is in distress and needs to be delivered quickly or when the mother’s tissues are not stretching enough to allow for a safe delivery.
Image Source: iStock
Some studies have shown that routine episiotomies may cause more harm than good. For instance, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that routine episiotomies were associated with an increased risk of severe perineal tears and a longer healing time compared to selective episiotomies.
Therefore, it’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider whether an episiotomy is necessary in your case.
Will It Hurt?
It is common for women to feel some discomfort during and after the procedure. During the procedure, a local anaesthetic may be used to numb the area, but some women may still feel some pressure or discomfort. After the procedure, it is common for women to feel pain or discomfort in the area. However, there are several ways to manage the pain,
Risks of Having an Episiotomy
Now, let’s talk about the risks of not properly caring for an episiotomy. After childbirth, the perineal area may be sore, swollen, and tender. It’s important to properly care for your episiotomy to prevent infection, promote healing, and alleviate pain. Neglecting proper care can lead to complications such as infection, prolonged healing time, and increased pain.
Image Source: iSTock
How to Care for Your Episiotomy
“I wasn’t expecting to have an episiotomy, but my son was in distress, and it was the safest option. The recovery was definitely not easy. The first few days, I could hardly sit down, and going to the bathroom was excruciating.
But I took it day by day, used ice packs and warm compresses, and eventually, the pain lessened. It was a challenging experience, but in the end, it was worth it to have a healthy baby,” shared Rachel, a mum of one.
Looking after your postpartum stitches is very important to ensure a smooth recovery. Here are some tips for properly caring for an episiotomy after childbirth:
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Keep the area clean and dry: Use a peri-bottle filled with warm water to clean the area after using the toilet. Change your pad frequently to keep the area dry.
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Avoid using harsh soaps or perfumes: These products can cause irritation and delay healing.
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Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and relieve pain: Apply ice packs to the area for the first few days after childbirth.
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Use warm compresses after the first few days: Warm compresses can help promote blood flow to the area and alleviate pain.
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Practice good hygiene to prevent infection: Always wash your hands before and after caring for your episiotomy. Avoid using tampons, douches, or any other products that can irritate the area. Wear loose-fitting clothing to allow air to circulate around the area.
By following these tips, you can help ensure a smooth and healthy recovery after childbirth. Remember to take it slow, listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
When to Go to the Doctor
Here are 3 signs that indicate you should go to the doctor for your episiotomy after childbirth:
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Fever: If you experience a fever, it could be a sign of an infection. Contact your healthcare provider immediately.
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Increased pain: Some pain and discomfort are normal after childbirth and an episiotomy, but if you experience increased pain, it could be a sign of an infection or other complication. Contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned.
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Discharge: If you notice any unusual discharge, such as pus or a foul odor, contact your healthcare provider. It could be a sign of an infection or other complication.
Remember to take care of your episiotomy properly by following the recommended care tips and hygiene practices. However, if you experience any of these signs or have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for advice and treatment.
Childbirth is a beautiful experience, but it can also be a challenging one. Knowing how to properly care for your body after childbirth, including your episiotomy if you have one, is essential to a smooth and healthy recovery. With the right care and support, you can enjoy the joys of motherhood without any unnecessary complications.
Image Source: iStock
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
