How long does it take for an episiotomy wound to heal? How to avoid an episiotomy?

Many mothers who have given birth to a child say that most of the normal births have been done with episiotomy. How scary! What should I do if I really don’t want to have an episiotomy? The following editor of No. 5.com will show you how long it takes for an episiotomy wound to heal? How to avoid an episiotomy?

The surface of episiotomy wounds generally heal in about 7 days, but the edema and inflammation around the incision will take about 20 to 30 days or even longer to completely disappear. The sutures inside are long and it takes more than a month for the sutures to be absorbed. The specific time for complete recovery is related to each person's skin healing ability.

1. Manage your weight properly to avoid a situation where the fetus is too large and difficult to deliver.

2. Have regular prenatal checkups to detect abnormal conditions in a timely manner and resolve them as soon as possible.

3. Perform pelvic floor muscle exercises during pregnancy to strengthen the elasticity of the muscle tissue around the perineum.

4. Learn about childbirth, understand posture and force techniques to make the delivery process go more smoothly.

5. Before giving birth, you can communicate with the midwife and doctor that you want to try to give birth yourself, and if that doesn't work, you can have an episiotomy. Of course, also tell the doctor that you will cooperate with their decision.

What is an episiotomy?

Episiotomy is a measure taken when a normal delivery is not possible. The doctor makes an incision at a 45-degree angle on the left side of the vaginal opening. The episiotomy wound is not sewn in one layer, but three layers! Episiotomy in the perineum can prevent perineal tearing and protect the pelvic floor muscles.

According to a survey conducted by the World Health Organization, the episiotomy rate in the United States is 23%, while in Sweden it is only 10%. In China, the episiotomy rate has always been high, with the episiotomy rate for Chinese women giving birth to their first child being around 95%, far higher than that of other countries.

When is an episiotomy necessary?

1. The perineum of a primipara has poor elasticity or is inflamed, edematous, etc. It is estimated that severe perineal laceration is likely to occur when the fetal head is delivered.

2. The fetus is large, the fetal head is in an incorrect position, and the uterine contractions are weak, making it difficult to deliver the fetal head.

3. If the mother has heart disease, gestational hypertension, premature birth or fetal hypoxia, intrauterine distress, etc., it is necessary to shorten the labor process and end the delivery as soon as possible to ensure the safety of mother and baby.

4. Forceps or vacuum extractor are required for assisted delivery.