Episiotomy at birth: What you need to know

Article written by MSc Nguyen Thi Le - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Danang International Hospital

Perineal incision is the obsession of most pregnant mothers. So why this procedure, when to do it and how to reduce the risk of having to have an episiotomy? The following article will help women learn more about this issue.

The perineum is the tissue between the anus and the vagina, including all the soft parts, muscles and ligaments that seal the hole below the pelvis, about 4-5cm long. During a woman's birth, this organ will expand naturally or may be cut to make it easier for the fetus to come out.
The perineum has 3 layers: the superficial layer, the middle layer and the deep layer. In each floor, there will be muscles and a separate layer of weight:
Superficial layer: Consists of five muscles (superficial transverse muscle, transverse bulbar muscle, sitting cavernous muscle, vaginal sphincter and anal sphincter). The anal sphincter is located in the posterior perineum and the rest of the muscles are in the anterior perineum. Medial layer: Consists of urethral sphincter and deep transverse muscle located in the anterior perineum, surrounded by two medial perineal fascia. Deep layer: Consists of the amputee and levator muscles surrounded by two fascia leaves of the deep perineum.

The main perineum is part of the reproductive system. It plays the role of supporting and protecting the pelvic organs, is the gateway for intercourse to receive sperm into the uterus, to meet the sexual needs of a woman.
For women's childbirth, this is the part that will expand to help the baby give birth more easily and safely. Those who have poor perineal dilation, the childbirth process will be very easy to injure and tear this part, affecting the aesthetics later and reducing the quality of women's sex life. This is explained that: The perineum is torn and damaged, causing women to feel pain, loss of interest and fear of "love" so it is difficult to achieve pleasure; Over time, it's easy to become frigid, putting family happiness at risk.
Up to 95% of women giving birth vaginally have an episiotomy. So why should women do that? Read more articles below to find out why women have to have an episiotomy?
MORE: Learn about episiotomy

People who have given birth for the first time (pregnancy) or have had a poorly dilated perineum, the prognosis if not incision is made, the perineum may be deeply torn or complicatedly torn. religion. The biparietal diameter of the fetal head is large. In maternal diseases that need to be delivered quickly to ensure the mother's health, such as heart failure, preeclampsia, high blood pressure. Perineal incision when doing procedures such as forceps, suction, butt delivery...

Prepare good health for childbirth, walk a lot, limit sitting a lot during pregnancy. Do Kegel exercises during pregnancy; Regularly massage the perineum 6-8 weeks before the due date; Standing or squatting during labor or when pushing the baby out; Concentrate hard and push for 5-7 seconds and relax (instead of pushing hard for 10 seconds when you need to hold your breath); Ask your doctor or midwife to hold onto your perineum as soon as your baby's head comes out so he doesn't come out too quickly and tear the perineum. The decision to have this procedure will be made by the doctor during the birth or in the delivery room as soon as the baby's head is out. Don't worry too much if you have to have an episiotomy because this is also quite common and sometimes extremely necessary.
Giving birth is a very important mark in the life of every woman. Don't worry too much and equip yourself with a lot of knowledge about childbirth so that you can welcome your baby safely and healthy.
Customers can refer to the Package Maternity Care Program at Vinmec International General Hospital with a route of scientific examination for pregnant mothers before - during - after birth with experienced doctors in the field of pregnancy. obstetrics and gynecology, ensuring close monitoring helps women have a healthy pregnancy and safe labor.