erm...yes...hrmmm

I have a random question....
How many of you ended up having an episiotomy? Im absolutely petrified of them lol I have no idea even under what circumstances they do them and i was hoping you lovely ladies could fill me in so im at least prepared lol

Spanks

They usually don't do episiotomy these days unless there is no alternative - most midwives and OBs reckon that a tear heals faster and better than a cut. But if they need to get bubs out fast then they will do one, or sometimes if you have to have a forceps or ventouse delivery.

lol jezsika!!! i too am crossing my legs! in fact i keep telling hubby that! you'd think after 2 births i'd be fine! but im a chicken! haha.
i never tore or had an episiotomy, but now i have said that this time i might need to!
i'm sure if it happened "we" prob wouldnt care or notice them doing it..... too caught up in the moment.
but hmm..... legs still firmly crossed.

haha yeh i agree its just all the episiotomys i have heard of happening are when the ladies have had an epi and since im not having one i think that is what is making me go queazy lol

I went thru an OB and had an episiotomy..also had an epidural so didn't feel a thing when the cut was made. I had the epidural right through the birth (big time wuss) and what I found interesting was that the most painful part of it was when I was stitched up....I felt that the most (and it was more uncomfortable as opposed to really painful). For my second birth I tore but didn't feel that. Once you've given birth you are so focused on your new child that you leave the OB and midwifes etc to do their thing.

I was guided by the OB as to whether I needed it or not and everything worked out very well so I was happy with her decision

i had a few grazes too and they are painful - some midwives leave them some stitch - and well, mine stitched. I think a fair few mummies are lucky and get away with no stitches - others end up with at least some the first time round, even if they don't cut. from watching the whole process from the onlookers perspective - it all happens so quickly when you tear, it's pretty amazing - (must say i was definately thinking "oh my god, ouch!" though)

again.... LEGS CROSSED!!!! arrrh!

ohhh ohch i was scard of the cut aswell and its the one thing that did,nt happen

Hey Jess, I had an episiotomy first time around, because he was a forceps birth and they needed a bit of help getting him out!!  I have to say it was my least favourite part of the whole thing, didnt feel it of course but the recovery period was a good 3 weeks afterwards.  I guess they arent that common nowdays in case you need a bit of extra help?  I'm sure you'll be fine!!

*passes out* lol