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Does getting an episiotomy scar? Should you get one or not?

Do you want an episiotomy? Do you need one? What is it? If you are reading this while you are still pregnant, have you discussed this with your doctor?


Will getting an episiotomy scar? First of all, it is a surgical incision made by your doctor in the lower opening of the vagina, the perineum, right before delivery to ease the passing of the baby's shoulders through the vagina.


There are conflicting opinions in recent studies in which to "cut" or "not to cut". Some people believe that having a clean cut performed by your doctor is better and heals better than tearing naturally.

Others feel that tearing naturally is better because then you will tear just as much or as little as your body needs to.

You also need to talk to your doctor about the post pardem healing process in both cases. You should ask around to friends and family about their experiences.

In my personal experience, I had one with my first child and don't recall it being extremely painful through the healing process. The woman's body is an amazing thing and was made to have children. For my second and third, my body remembered and just "gave" naturally so I didn't tear or need to be cut.

While still in the hospital, they usually offer ice packs to place on your perineum. It will reduce swelling and feel so good. You usually only need to do this for your recovery stay in the hospital.

Once at home, you need to keep the area clean especially after every time that you urinate. The hospital should have given you a squeezable water bottle. Every time that you go to the bathroom, fill the bottle with lukewarm water and squirt it on the perineum during and after you urinate to cleanse and then pat dry with tissue.

Then place 2 or 3 hemorrhoid pads on a sanitary napkin to wear. This will reduce swelling. Replace with new pads at every bathroom visit.

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