Health in a Hurry

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Unnecessary Episiotomies? Often do more harm than good.

Episiotomies, the common obstetric surgery used to widen the vaginal opening for women in labor, have not been found to improve labor, delivery and recovery, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Additionally, risks of a greater tear, anal sphincter dysfunction and painful sex increase after an episiotomy.

Unless there is a risk of severe tearing or there is fetal distress, episiotomies should be avoided.

In related news, the March issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association advocated perineal massage as a method to avoid episiotomies. The method (which can be seen at this Univ. of Michigan, Nursing page ) can be used beginning at week 34 and has been shown to be especially beneficial for women having a vaginal birth for the first time. Doctors should also explain the procedures to their patients.

Source:
Yahoo! News. Beasley, Deena. "Doctors urged to restrict episiotomies" 31 March 2006

JAMA. 2006; 295:1361-1362.

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