Questions & Answers

I didn't get an episodically, but I naturally tore twice. I got three stitches, but the doctor didn't see another tear. I did everything the doctor told me to do, used the spray bottle and the numbing spray but as the days moved on the pain I felt when I peed got worse. By the 5th day after I had my DS, I was in the hospital because I was peeing once a day and screaming in pain. The doctor looked at me and he said it was healing from the inside out so there was nothing we could do but he did give me Lidocaine to put on it. Make sure your doctor does a very thorough check for tears.

I had one with my second, I had a VBAC. I felt nothing when it was happening.
I really don't think an episiotomy is used much anymore, I think because I was having a VBAC, there was a greater urgency to keep me from pushing for too long, for my safety and the baby.

i had it done with both pervious kids and did not feel it eaither time and they gave me spray for when i had to go to he bath room but it was all ok

That is a good point...my OB said episiotomy isn't performed often anymore. Only if an emergency arises requiring it, but as the other member said it's rare. The hospital gives you a squeeze bottle to spray over yourself when you pee and I used it for about 2 weeks after I got home (at least) to keep the area clean. And to be honest, you'll want/should to do it every time you go!

Try not to worry too much about an episiotomy. They are not likely to give you one unless the baby is in distress and they need to get him/her out more quickly. Most doctors now prefer to let you tear naturally than perform an episiotomy.

I had one and it turned out just fine for me and my daughter. I didn't feel anything while it was happening (because I had an epidural) and I had very little recovery pain and no problems with the recovery. On the other hand, I had a friend who tore naturally and her stitches ended up getting infected, so make sure you keep the area clean post-partum, whatever you end up having done!

Good luck and hopefully it won't be an issue at all for you!

Thanks ladies, this puts me a little at ease :)

I was induced but with no pain relief, I honestly don't remember feeling the episiotomy being done as I think they gave me a shot first? The healing process was very hard though.

Oh and I was fearful of the episiotomy too. I told them in my birth plan I really didn't want it. But of course, if medical intervention like that is needed, it's out of our hands at that point. Try not to worry, you will do awesome no matter what.

I had a second degree tear. I did get the epidural and for me it worked amazingly! I didn't feel the tear or the stitches and recovery went super well :)

If you are delivering on your back, with an epidural, you are much more likely to tear/need an episiotomy then if you are an all fours or squatting without an epidural. and a natural tear heals better then an episiotomy does, and episiotomies are more likely to tear into the anus, then a natural tear will. just so ya know ;)