Episiotomies were given because they were believed to be safer than the women’s perineum ripping naturally. Another reason was that they quicken the process of labour. The episiotomy was given almost automatically to a pri

Episiotomies are given still more often than they are recommended, perhaps because of training, see one do one, lack of education and time restraints on doctors. “ Physicians may decide to perform the procedure based on time pressures, malpractice concerns, lack of experience with slow perineal stretching and a practice that emphasizes intervention, according to the review.” (Haley, 2000). So how can nurses prevent them from occurring? By empowering women that they can prevent the cruel cut. Women have a choice to submit a birth plan for their labour experience in this birth plan they can include no episiotomies unless the fetus is in distress, regardless of perennial tears. Also women can discuss with their physicians their beliefs about episiotomies to see if the doctor has the same beliefs, and if not, the woman can find a doctor who does. “The birth plan…helps women and their partners examine their options and take an active part in planning their birth experience. The plan is a tool for expanding communication with health care professionals.” (Murray, 2002, pp 255). The birth plan may be ignored if there is complications in the labor and delivery.

The incision has been attributed to urinary and fecal incontinence, persistent sexual problems, painful infections, chronic conditions and worse tearing since it is given a start point. “Even if there is tearing, which is possible, the wound is more likely to be less severe.”(Howard, 2000). Urinary and fecal incontinence is when one is unable to prevent discharge of urine and feces, this is most prevalent while exercising, sneezing, coughing and laughing. Fecal incontinence is most severe when a midline episiotomy is performed and it extends to the rectum. “…compared to natural tearing, episiotomies tripled the risk of a woman suffering some loss of bowel control.” ( Howard, 2000). Sexual problems arise in 10 to 20 percent of women after episiotomies. Healing may occur in six weeks but infections, that is a reason for sexual problems, can delay the healing process. A break in the skin allows an entry site for bacteria and that can lead to infections. Episiotomies can lead to these severe and painful side effects so this is why health care providers need to abandon episiotomies for wrong reasons.

To encourage health care professionals to abstain from episiotomies is harder to achieve. Health care professionals do what they are taught and have learned out of experience. They may not be aware of the new recommendations regarding episiotomies or may simply not agree with them. In order to reach the professionals you need to go back to the basic health promotion, and that is education.

Some topics in this essay:
Obstetrics Gynecology, Potter Perry, Reflection Episiotomies, Regional Hospital, health care, Prevalence Episiotomies, health care professionals, fecal incontinence, kegal exercises, care professionals, perineal massage, degree lacerations, anal sphincter, correct muscles, urinary fecal, birth plan, urinary fecal incontinence, health care system, day five minutes, degree lacerations extend,