Episiotomy or Tearing?

Question

I was curious as to which one would be considered better especially if some of you may have experienced birth! Let me know! As of now I'm wanting to avoid an episiotomy if possible bit would like some personal info first. Thanks :)

Answer

Tearing heals quicker than an episiotomy. It does take more stitches for a tear though sometimes. Also some doctors will cut as well as let you tear.

Answer

Sorry my first comment posted prematurely. Here is some great info on it. Ask your doctor's office what their episiotomy rate is. If it's very high, I'd recommend finding a new office. New doctors and midwives aren't taught to do episiotomies anymore, for good reason. As an example, my midwifery practice did about 3 episiotomies all of last year. https://motheroffact.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/evidence-based-medicine-episiotomy/

Answer

Tearing is better for healing. The evidence is clear on this.

Answer

Whoever says tearing is better is wrong. I told them to let me tear naturally and it took a year of lazor therapy and physio on my tear for it to not be painful.

Answer

Just remember that whatever you decide might change in the moment. I was very against an episiotomy, but when my baby got stuck the doc strongly encouraged me to trust his judgement to make a small cut so we could get the baby out. I wasn't thrilled, but you do what you have to when it comes down to the safety of your baby. It wasn't pleasant for a few days, but it really wasn't bad. I healed very quickly, with no long term side effects.

Answer

So with my son, I thought it would be best to let nature happen and I told my dr I preferred not to have an episiotomy....that was a BIG mistake!! The tearing was so much worse and with jagged edges!!! If they do the episiotomy, they will make a clean cut, not too deep, and be able to stitch it up cleanly....which also heals better with clean edges. This time, if they think I need it, I will have them do it, I would rather not tear again.

Episiotomy or Tearing?

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