Episiotomy is a small surgical incision that is made in the area between the vagina and the year (female perineum) during delivery, which allows the vaginal opening to enlarge when the baby’s head is about to come down and out.
This surgical technique is routinely used in all natural births to prevent skin rupture that can occur naturally in childbirth, today it is used when needed, as it is painful and can increase the risk of urinary incontinence or infections.
Episiotomy is used in cases where
There is a very high risk of severe skin lacerations;
The baby is in an abnormal position and has difficulty getting out;
The baby is large in size, making it difficult to get through the birth canal;
It is necessary to give birth faster so as not to harm the baby
The episiotomy is usually decided by the medical team during delivery, but the pregnant party may indicate that it does not approve of this type of procedure and in this case, the doctor should not perform it, just in case it is necessary not to harm the baby.
This surgical technique is considered illegal during unnecessary abuse, such as at the onset of labor to speed up childbirth, for example.
Complete healing of the episiotomy usually takes place after delivery, but the points are usually absorbed by the body or naturally, but can leave more quickly, especially if the woman takes care to speed healing.
However, it should be remembered that all episiotomy care is important, especially those related to personal hygiene, and that they prevent infection, pain and healing. See a complete guide to how to take care of your episiotomy.
More specific treatments to facilitate healing and reduce recovery time include:
Asian baths, in addition to helping to relieve discomfort in the genital area, are also a great way to speed healing, increasing blood flow to the site.
They can also be done the first 24 hours after delivery, so that the bathtub is filled with a plastic container, with a bowl of water and warm water to sit inside, so that the vaginal area can be watered. It is possible to add sales to water, which contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that help cure.
It is always important to consult your obstetrician before performing any technique that has not been recommended by your doctor.
The best garment to use 100% cotton, however, this type of tissue is more important in women suffering from episiotomy or any other type of inheritance in the vaginal region, because cotton is a natural material, which allows air to circulate avoiding the development of fungi and bacteria that can delay healing.
In addition, if the doubt can be in the house, avoid wearing the underwear, which allows a greater passage of air, however, if there is a certain type of vaginal discharge, the underwear should be used to ensure the absorbent in place. should not be eliminated until the secretion has ceased.
In addition to episiotomy site care, eating healing foods is a great way to nourish the body and speed healing of any inheritance. Some of the bad foods listed include eggs, cutters, oranges, salon, soy, loose beet, nuts. For example.
Learn more about food with this property
Kegel exercises are a very effective natural way to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, increasing blood flow to the area, which helps healing.
To perform these exercises it is necessary to identify the pelvic musculature, just imitate trying to interrupt the act of urinating, then have 10 contractions in a row, releasing for a few seconds and resuming the exercise making 10 series of 10 contractions each day.
Learn more about treating episiotomy
The healing time of the episiotomy varied from woman to woman, depending on the size and size of the inheritance; However, the average delay is 6 weeks after delivery.
During this time, the woman will be able to gradually begin her daily activities, without exaggerated efforts and as directed by the doctor. Sexual activity alone should begin after full healing.
Once the area can remain painful for longer, before starting intimate relationships, it is necessary to take a hot bath to help relax the muscles.
In most situations, healing ointments are not necessary to treat episiotomy; in fact, the vaginal area is very irrigated and heals very quickly; However, if there is a delay in the healing process, if there is an infection at the site, the obstetrician may indicate the use of certain ointments.
Some of the ill-used healing ointments are commonly used in Bepanthen or Cicalfate d’Amene, for example, and these ointments should only be used under medical supervision.
Although episiotomy can bring several benefits, especially to facilitate childbirth, it should only be used in appropriate cases, which can lead to problems such as:
Injuries to the muscles of the intimate area;
Urinary incontinence;
Infection at the cutting site;
Longer postpartum recovery time
To avoid developing some of these problems, a woman might perform Kegel exercises during recovery, find out how to do this type of exercise properly