What was worse during labour?

Question

I had an episiotomy with my first. I wasn't asked, I didn't question it, they just cut me. The pain when the epidural wore off! My stitches then ripped and I got an infection. I couldn't walk properly for about 6 weeks. 
I wonder would it have been different if I tore naturally. 
Is it ever essential to have an episiotomy or can I down right refuse it for this labour?

Answer

I've heard and read that episiotomys are worse and take longer to heal than natural tears. I've heard too that drs in the US are doing them less now too.

Answer

I tore badly, and needed a 2 hour surgery to repair the next day. 
I was sitting and walking as normal within a few days, took a little longer for exercise to be pain free.

Answer

Episiotomies do not heal as well as a natural tear which is why they are becoming less common. Also once cut there is more likelihood of tearing continuing ( imagine pulling either side of a paper with a Cut In vs One without- cut has less strength). They can be medically necessary if an assisted birth through vacuum is required or if there is a tear going in. Direction that is less likely to heal well

Answer

From the Mayo clinic "The episiotomy tradition
For years, an episiotomy was thought to help prevent more extensive vaginal tears during childbirth — and heal better than a natural tear. The procedure was also thought to help preserve the muscular and connective tissue support of the pelvic floor.
Today, however, research suggests that routine episiotomies don't prevent these problems after all.
Recovery is uncomfortable, and sometimes the surgical incision is more extensive than a natural tear would have been. Infection is possible. For some women, an episiotomy causes pain during sex in the months after delivery. An extensive episiotomy might also contribute to fecal incontinence after childbirth.
The new approach
Routine episiotomies are no longer recommended. Still, the procedure is warranted in some cases.
Your health care provider might recommend an episiotomy if:
Extensive vaginal tearing appears likely
Your baby is in an abnormal position
Your baby is large (fetal macrosomia)
Your baby needs to be delivered quickly
If you need an episiotomy and you haven't had any type of anesthesia or the anesthesia has worn off, you'll likely receive an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the tissue. You shouldn't feel your health care provider making the incision or repairing it after delivery."

Answer

When I talked to my doctor about it he said that I’d necessary a small controlled cut was better than an uncontrolled tear. Makes sense, but still makes me nervous.

Answer

the reason episiotomies have become less common is that research has found that a natural tear actually heals better when it's stitched up. I can't say it was exactly comfortable the first weeks after mine, but my stitches definitely stayed put and dissolved as they were supposed to. and a year later all is fine.

Answer

My son came out OP (aka sunny side up) my doctor did an episiotomy. I trusted him, he didn't ask he just did it. He later said it would have more or less been a 3rd or 4th degree tear. He's been delivering babies for 30+ years. The stitches I thought burned more than anything when using the rest room, that peri bottle was my best friend for about 3 weeks. I felt like I couldn't sit right for 5 weeks. my stitches healed fine and clean and at my 6 week PP checkup he said everything healed up nicely. the first 6 months after that of having sex could get uncomfortable at times because of some of the scar tissue. but  almost 2 years later now, no issues and just hoping I don't need one the second time around when number 2 is due!

Answer

There’s no way I’d ever in a million years allow them to do an episiotomy on me. I’ve had 5 babies, I naturally tore for 4 of them. My doctor even tells everyone there’s never any medical reason for one and she will NOT EVER perform one.

Answer

I tore and for days I could hardly sit. I felt miserable. my stitches didn't dissolve like they should have so healing took allot longer. I didn't know I ripped when I was pushing but it hurt a little getting stitched up right after. I had him natural

Answer

I was cut with my 1st then tore with the other 3. Being cut hurt way more for me and I feel like it took longer to heal.

What was worse during labour?

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