Episiotomy or chance tearing? POLL YOUR EXPERIENCE!

Question

I'm trying to decide whether to elect for an episiotomy or chance tearing. What made you decide on how to proceed, and why did you regret it or be happy with your choice?

😄 means you're happy about the decision
😫 means you regret the decision

Answer

I've had 2 babies (1st one was 8lbs 4oz. 2nd one was 10lbs 2oz.) Didn't have an episiotomy  (and wasn't offered one) with either baby. With Baby #1 I got a total of 4 stitches and with Baby #2 I didn't tear at all, no stitches!! I know I was extremely blessed... I just hope this time around it goes the same way! :)

Answer

I chose to say no to episiotomy and actually ended up NOT tearing at all! No stitches, only 2weeks of bleeding. My afterbirth with my daughter was so easy going. I'm hoping for the same with this little man!

Answer

Tore once of my three.  2 stitches with my first

Answer

My midwife said an episiotomy makes you more likely to end up with a big tear, as the skin is meant to stretch and if you put a little cut in it-- it can just rip straight from there. I had a 3rd degree tear both north and south with my oldest because he was sunny side up with his hand on his face. I had a decent amount of stitches but it healed quick (felt fine within 3-4 days and stitches came out by 3 weeks). My sister had an episiotomy with her oldest and had to have it recut and stitched properly with her second because it tore right open as soon as she started pushing.

Answer

I would opt for an episiotomy only if I knew (or the doc can see) that I would tear. Much easier to stich up a straight line than a jagged one in my opinion

Answer

my doctor only does an episiotomy if she can tell you're about to tear. just so it's easier to stitch up. she'd never do one just because.

Answer

My son was 9 lbs 8 oz and I tore a good bit. The brand new resident screwed up my stitches, so I was in unbearable pain for two weeks and I still tear a little every time my husband and I have sex. It also looks like a hot mess. My OB said he definitely wants to fix me up, but wants to wait until we're done having kids. When this baby is born, though, I'm demanding my OB sew me up, and not a new resident. I know they need to practice on someone, but I feel like I've had my turn.

Answer

Do not get one!!! I was forced to get one and it was HORRIBLE! The cut is not natural do healing time is longer and did i mention it hurts? If you do tear your body responds to it better and will immediately work on healing. But a cut is deeper and clean so it doesn't register naturally with the body. Ive had 5 n never tore. But as i said with my 1st it was forced on me. I do not recommend it

Answer

Tore with both boys. Got many stitches but felt fine after a couple of days. Healed beautifully.

Answer

Tore, but not much. Best thing to do is listen when the doc says stop pushing!

Episiotomy or chance tearing? POLL YOUR EXPERIENCE!

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