Thinking I would prefer a C/S to an episiotomy

[onthefly]

I've had two epis now. I'm not happy about it, but if we are fortunate enough to fall pregnant again, then I will be having a vaginal birth again, fingers crossed that I won't need to be cut again (first was forceps, second baby had head sideways - ****ty luck, hey?)

[Inertia]

I felt the exact same way, Fiona.

It is major abdominal surgery, yes - but there is no significant difference between VB and CS when it comes to pelvic floor dysfunction. Episiotomy is another matter and has far worse results in terms of PFD compared to even tearing naturally.

They were never going to get a pair of scissors near my perineum and I am pretty certain they knew as much too. lol.

[BellyBelly]

Episiotomies are very preventable. Here is a great blog post I came across today, all about tearing and episiotomies. Things like forceps and vacuum can damage your pelvic floor but it is a fallacy that only normal birth damages your pelvic floor. It is the prolonged weight of pregnancy that can result in pelvic floor issues - women who have c/s have pelvic floor issues too. I also posted a youtube clip on painful sex and c/s today.

Bellies and Babies: Would You Rather...

[Traveller]

An episiotomy was one of my biggest fears too, second only to induction, so I can understand where you are coming from. One thing to remember is that an episiotomy should only be used to expedite delivery so if your OB recommends one it is usually because they need to get baby out straight away (and not always with forceps, sometimes the epis is enough on it's own) so at that point it may be risky to delay things and opt for a CS. Of course you can always say no to any medical procedure, they do need your consent to cut you. Hopefully this will all be a moot point though and you will need neither