Hello all,

This has been a thought floating around in my mind since my first bub. I didn't have either for my first labour, but a few friends have had both and I've been thinking about their recoveries and the impact that both procedures have had on their lives.

I've read some horrific stories on here of recoveries from episiotomy's. To be fair, I've also read some horrible c/s ones but to me they don't seem as bad.

I suppose it comes down to someone taking scissors to my vagina as opposed to my abdomen. The thought of having my vagina cut in that manner is not ok with me. Having to deal with a scar site in my abdomen seems a bit easier for me to manage than my vagina.

Now, if I tear that's a different story. I know what can be done to prevent this. If it happens, so be it. But an episiotomy seems so brutal to me. I know a c/s is also, but mentally I think I can live with this.

Here's hoping I don't have to deal with either scenario. My OB is pro-VB and her episiotomy and emergency c/s rates are low so I'm not worried about being pushed into either scenario. However I do want to make my thoughts clear to her.

Sorry if this is a bit all over the shop. This thought has been running around in my head and I've been keen to get it out.

Did anyone else have this consideration in their birth plan? What are your thoughts?

Fiona