Great Birth Changes

This is a blog emcompassing all of the positive changes that are happening in the birthing world. P

Friday, May 06, 2005

Goodbye Unnecessary Episiotomies!

This kind of news makes me smile! We can say goodbye to routine episiotomies now!

According to an article published in the Washington Post on May 4, 2005, research now shows that routine episiotomies have no benefit and actually cause more complications, according to the most comprehensive analysis to evaluate the practice.

"Contradicting the long-accepted rationale for the procedure, called an episiotomy, the analysis found that it increases the risk of tissue tears, leading to more pain, more stitches and a longer recovery after childbirth. In addition, an episiotomy increases the risk of sexual difficulties later and does not reduce the risk of incontinence, the federally sponsored study found.

As a result, the researchers concluded, routine use of the procedure undergone by more than 1 million U.S. women each year should be discontinued, and the incision should be considered only to speed delivery when the health of the baby is at risk."