Episiotomy. Stitches after episiotomy: description, appearance and treatment

The birth of a child is a miracle. The future mother carefully prepares for the appearance of the baby. But during labor there can be an unforeseen situation, when, perhaps, an episiotomy is needed. Stitches after an episiotomy are of particular concern to pregnant women. Let's talk about this in more detail.

What it is?

Episiotomy is a small incision of the perineum, which is given to the woman in labor at the time of the fetal expulsion. Usually, a local anesthetic is administered before this expectant mother, but sometimes there is no time for this, and they do not have anesthesia.

This operation prevents spontaneous breaks, helping the child to pass through the birth canal.

Who needs episiotomy

Who is shown an episiotomy? Sutures after an episiotomy for a long time heal. How justified is this procedure? The vaginal tissue is quite elastic. Nature herself ordered that a woman should give birth naturally without problems. But there are a number of special reasons for which episiotomy is necessary:

• The child has a breech presentation, that is, he goes forward with his buttocks or legs;
• It is necessary to accelerate the birth, because the baby has hypoxia - lack of oxygen;
• There is a risk of rupture of the perineum if the tissue is inelastic.

Unfortunately, in our time this operation is put on stream, and it is done almost every second woman in labor. It is easier for a doctor to make a cut than to invent some other methods of delivery. If there is a possibility, it is better to find in advance a proven and experienced doctor who will not allow surgical intervention. And of course, the mood for a successful outcome is important.

Pros and cons of episiotomy

Usually giving birth to a woman already during labor is put before the fact of the need for a cut, which is produced with the help of special surgical scissors. This, at first glance, terrible procedure has several advantages:

• The second phase of labor is accelerated;
• The child is born without injury, this procedure is safe for him;
• With exertions, much less strength goes to the future mother.

The disadvantages are the following:

• Painful suturing;
• The inability to sit for a long time;
• You can injure the rectum;
• Prolonged recovery after childbirth.

Despite such a huge number of cons, you still have to trust the doctors. And if the well-being, health or even the life of the child is at stake, it is better to agree to such a procedure as an episiotomy. Stitches after an episiotomy can be ill some time and deliver discomfort. How to take care of them, you can find out below.

Is it possible to avoid episiotomy?

This surgical intervention can be avoided. It has long been proven that premature births usually end in multiple discontinuities. It would seem that this is a paradox, because the head of such a baby, of course, less. But, it turns out, a couple of weeks before the birth, the body activates hormones that increase the elasticity of the vagina. Therefore, you need to try to inform the baby before the deadline.

In addition, you can independently prepare the perineum for childbirth. It is better to begin in advance. Doctors advise to lead a healthy lifestyle throughout the pregnancy, not to overeat and watch the weight. It is best to visit the pool or yoga for pregnant women, if the obstetrician-gynecologist is not against it and there are no contraindications in each case.

One month before the birth, you should start to do intimate massage with a special oil. If it was not possible to buy, you can use sunflower, almond, olive or sea-buckthorn. How this massage is done is usually shown on courses for pregnant women, so they should not be neglected. This procedure should be done every day. Widely known Kegel exercises will also help the perineum to gain elasticity and return to normal after childbirth. In any case, if it happened that the doctor had to make a cut, do not panic.

How many seams are healing after episiotomy?

If the testimony appears during delivery, the doctor will carefully cut the incision. Practice shows that it is usually on the right side. Stitches are superimposed either by self-converging threads, or by those that need to be removed on the fifth day. What to choose - the doctor decides.

In the first three weeks you can not sit, otherwise the risk of divergence of sutures is possible. There is also a ban on sexual activity for 5-6 weeks. Usually during this period the seams heal. Complete recovery of the vagina occurs within 6-9 months after childbirth, but only when proper care of the perineum is taken into account.

Care of the perineum after childbirth

What does the seam look like after an episiotomy? After giving birth, a woman can find huge swollen scars. If you try to see yourself using a mirror, then the spectacle will not be for the faint-hearted. This is perfectly normal. If you follow the recommendations of a doctor, then after 2 weeks the swelling will subside, and after another six months, there will be no trace of it.

The main recommendations for the care of seams:

• Do not sit on a level surface for 2-3 weeks;
• About 2 months do not lift anything heavier than a child;
• Keep the crotch clean, change the pads as often as possible, wash off after each visit to the toilet;
• To process seams with a solution of furacilin or zelenka;
• 3-4 times a day to give seams "breathe", to resemble without underwear;
• To eat foods that stimulate the act of defecation, so that the stool is regular and the stitches are not strained;
• Sexual rest for 6-8 weeks;
• Do Kegel exercises;
• Drink plenty of water.

The most unpleasant for many mothers is the lack of opportunity to sit. Feeding the baby standing or lying very uncomfortable. But the health of crumbs is more important, so you can wait a few weeks. If mistakes were made in the crotch care, then the risk of complications is likely.

Complications after episiotomy

Like any other surgical intervention, episiotomy can have complications. What to do if the seam breaks after an episiotomy, and what are the reasons for this? This can happen if a woman lifted weights, for example, carried a stroller with a child on the stairs, or sat down ahead of time. As soon as the first signs of rupture have appeared, for example the suture after an episiotomy, then it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor. You may need a secondary suturing.

Sex after episiotomy

In any case, after childbirth, it is necessary to refrain from sexual intercourse for 6 weeks. After this period you need to visit a gynecologist. If the sutures are all right and the doctor gives good, then you can remember about his intimate life.

Most women who have experienced episiotomy admit that they first experienced fear and pain during sex. Over time, the discomfort will go away. For the first time it is better to use gel-grease and give more time to preliminary caresses. It is also worth experimenting with poses, choosing the right one. If pain can not be tolerated, then it's worth stopping and trying after a couple of days. If the pain persists for several months and pulls the seam after an episiotomy, then you should consult a doctor for advice.

Can I still give birth after an episiotomy?

Women who have undergone this surgical operation are usually worried about whether subsequent births are possible? Fortunately, there is no ban on this. It must be taken into account that an episiotomy may be necessary for the second time. Stitches after an episiotomy are not elastic. Therefore midwives in order to avoid the rupture of the old seam, make a neat new incision.

In about half the cases, the second and subsequent births pass without this intervention. It is necessary to tune in to the positive outcome of labor and prepare carefully for them. To give birth to children is necessary, in spite of the fear that induces an episiotomy. Stitches after an episiotomy - this is so small compared to the happiness that the kids give!