Cut/tear? - Page 5

AimeeM · Jan 3rd, 2010, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LouLou78

After reading majority of these posts I get the impression that some of you think episiotomies, like in the dark ages, are performed at a certain point to avoid tearing. Any midwife practising/learning in the UK should not be performing episiotomies based on this.

Episiotomies are peformed when their is fetal distress and the cut will assist in delivering, to aid instrumental delivery or you are having an elective episiotomy because of a previous 3rd/4th degree tear, but this isn't always necessary either.

In my experience 3rd/4th degree tears are rare, there are some midwives I know who have never experienced one yet and those who have never needed to perform an episiotomy either. Personally, I avoid Episiotomies, not had to perform many compared to the large number I deliver and luckily can only count a few 3rd degree tears amongst this. 1st and second degree tears are more common but don't always need suturing. I think it is better to just leave the perineum be.

Thank you this is very interesting. I know my little one was in distress due to the circumstances but they told me they were cutting me to prevent a nasty tear. Your info makes sense in my situation.

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