Episiotomy and suturing: High-probability medical treatments An episiotomy and episiostomy are actually completely different medical treatments performed on the same site at different times.
When a baby is born, the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) thins and lengthens until it reaches the vaginal opening. However, if the perineal expansion is not good, the fetus will not come out, which will cause the fetal heart rate to drop.
Alternatively, the fetus may come out before the perineum is fully dilated, which may result in perineal dehiscence. If the perineal fissure is too large, even reaching the anus, postpartum recovery will be very troublesome and anal function will be impaired. In order to avoid the above situation as much as possible, episiotomy surgery is still necessary.
What is an episiotomy? When obstetricians incise the perineum, they will give priority to a location where the anus is less likely to be injured and where there is less bleeding. Generally, it will be in the lower third of the perineum. Pregnant mothers, don’t be afraid. Episiotomy actually only requires a small opening, and the fetus can come out. It is usually about 1cm long.
Of course, if more cuts are needed depending on the condition of the fetus, the doctor will usually cut about 3 centimeters. During childbirth, you also need to use mechanical external forces such as suction and delivery. During natural delivery, the incision required for natural delivery is larger.
Does episiotomy affect the fetus? During episiotomy, the perineum is first given local anesthesia. When the fetal head is completely visible at the birth canal, scissors are used to cut the fetus. The doctor will place a finger between the baby\’s head and perineum. The medical scissors used by doctors are safe, and pregnant mothers do not have to worry about harm to the fetus.
Will perineal sutures be painful? Some pregnant mothers worriedly asked: Does it hurt when the perineum is sutured? Although the suturing is painful, it is not uncomfortable. For the sake of your baby, please hold on.
After the baby comes out of the mother\’s womb and the placenta comes out, perineal sutures must be performed. The pain after perineal suture surgery usually gradually weakens and subsides after 34 days, and basically disappears after more than 1 month.
Tips: Small tears in the perineum still need to be sutured. Although the perineum will not be incised, if there are small tears in the perineum during delivery, bacteria may enter, so suturing is still required. Natural lacerations are sometimes jagged and can take a long time to recover from stitches. Pregnant mothers will feel pain, so please try to be patient.