Episiotomy and the Risk of Future Episiotomy

When you go to the labor and delivery room, you never know what's going to happen in there. One thing many moms worry about is the need for episiotomy. While the vast majority of research shows that most mothers do not need an episiotomy they do happen, and sometimes they happen fairly frequently depending on the practice of your doctor or midwife. In addition to the immediate concerns of pain, infection and scarring, many mothers are worried what it will mean for future births. One study shows us that there is really a connection between episiotomy and the risk of tear in future births.

In fact, the study says: "Based on these findings, for every four episiotomies not performed one second-degree laceration would be prevented." What is even scarier is that despite all of the evidence against the routine use of episiotomy, nearly 50% of the 6,000 women in the study had one. Basically, we can reduce the number of second degree tears in subsequent births by half, simply by cutting down the episiotomy rate. Rachel, from Our Bodies Our Blog, has a nice review to include who is getting these episiotomies and thoughts on the study as well. Here are some tips on taking care of your bottom after baby!

Related:

• Is Episiotomy Necessary?
• Perineal Massage
• Labor Positions

_{Alperin, M, Krohn, MA, Parviainen, K. Episiotomy and Increase in the Risk of Obstetric Laceration in a Subsequent Vaginal Delivery. Obstet Gynecol 2008 111: 1274-1278.}