Your Pelvic Floor by Kim Vopni

Author:Kim Vopni
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781786784872
Publisher: Watkins Media
Published: 2021-03-08T16:00:00+00:00

Episiotomy surgery and the pelvic floor

An episiotomy is a surgical cut in the perineum, made to create more space for baby to be birthed. Episiotomies are performed less often as standard procedure than they used to be, as it has become clear they may contribute to more pain and healing difficulties postnatally. They may not be performed routinely, but they do still happen – so it is a good idea to ask your hospital policy/midwife/care provider if appropriate, if episiotomy is a routine procedure – and if it is, make sure you do your research and make a conscious choice – remember you do have a choice. You can outline in your birth preferences that you would rather avoid an episiotomy.

Perineal massage is often promoted as a way to prevent tearing, and some research supports this. It is typically done between 35– 37 weeks of pregnancy. It can also be performed during labour, but in my opinion this is not ideal. It can contribute to greater swelling in the tissues, which can increase the risk of tearing. It is also invasive. Labour and birth is a time to leave the birthing person be, she needs support but not interruption; sometimes the act of stretching the tissues can create a distraction that takes the person “out of the zone”. Instead, a warm compress held on the perineum can be soothing and can also allow the midwife or doula to apply counter pressure on the perineum as the baby’s head is crowning. Ask your midwife about this in your antenatal checks. You want to know the practices of your midwife BEFORE you are in labour.

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