Episiotomy Healing
Episiotomy healing is something that causes a great many women vast amounts of stress and worry after the birth of their babies. However, the recovery rate for an episiotomy is really quite high and most women will be fully recovered within a reasonable time frame and have no further complications from the procedure.
What Is An Episiotomy Incision?
This is in incision that is made between the anus and vagina of the expectant mother, to allow more room for the birth of the baby. These types of incisions are really quite common during childbirth, especially in the United States. However, there has been a significant reduction in episiotomy incisions over the last 20 years as there is a growing concern about the necessity for this type of procedure.
At one time it was believed that an episiotomy was a more practical way to help speed up the delivery of the baby and prevent the vagina from tearing in an unnatural way and possibly causing incontinence. Since research has shown that women who tear naturally recover just as quickly as those who had an episiotomy, now many experts are of the belief that these incisions should not be made unless it is absolutely necessary. Hence the dramatic reduction in the amount of these incisions.
However, this does not mean that an episiotomy is not the best decision in some cases. If your baby is quite large or needs to be delivered quickly due to complications, the doctor may opt for the procedure.
Possible Complications From An Episiotomy
- swelling and bleeding
- threat of infection
- inability to have sexual intercourse for a short period of time
Of course the biggest complication can be pain and the recovery period, which depending on the type of incision that was made, can be quite substantial.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From An Episiotomy?
No matter what type of incision you had, there is going to be a recovery period. After the baby is born the wound is stitched up and eventually the episiotomy stitches will dissolve on their own.
Some women may recover from their incisions within a week or two, while others may take up to six weeks before their incisions are fully healed.
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