Babytopia Item of the Week
Items for the hippest mommy and baby
The term episiotomy means to cut the skin between the vagina and anus in an attempt to widen the vaginal opening for childbirth. Many years ago this was done routinely on every woman giving birth under the notion that a cut would be easier to repair than a jagged laceration when a woman tore on her own. Episiotomies are no longer recommended and can even do more harm than good. Here's why:
- A cut weakens the tissue of the perineum making it easier to tear into the rectum during childbirth
- Increased risk of infection
- Some women may not tear at all, so why not give them the opportunity to not need stitches
- Studies show that women with episiotomies have a longer recovery and more long term pain with intercourse.
If your doctor reaches for the scissors during your birth, make sure you tell them "Hand's off my vagina!".
