elective episiotomy - is this a good idea??

[KaybeeandZak]

Just saw my MW today who said the hospital would usually offer an elective episiotomy after having a 3rd degree tear previously. This is the first i have heard of it!

They have said so many different things to me at the hospital each time I see someone, it's driving me crazy. Was offered elective c-section, then told the MW's would try to support the perenium as much as poss to prevent bad tear again, then told I shouldn't tear like that again unless big baby (it will prob be at least 9lbs)

Am due in 2 weeks and am really freaking out about the birth.

Blueshoes, (going back a bit) in 14 years I have only seen two or three women with very short perineums. Most women who have bad tears are just unfortunate and they often don't recur.

Oh and for those who think that they would rather have a cs, a friend of mine has just had and elective two weeks ago for a previous 3 degree tear. She is in such a lot of pain and regrets it. I know that not everyone feels this, but it is not a pain free easy option. Some women find it very hard to get over.

Thanks maxbear. I guess short perineums are not common then.

kaybee my cousin had 3rd degree tear with her first 3 years ago (9lbs 2oz) she has just had her 2nd (after turning down c section) she was induced due to pre eclampsia on her due date and delivered 11 hrs later a wee girl at 9lbs 5oz, she never tore she had one small graze.

Good luck

thanks so much everyone for your posts, I am going to try not to worry too much about it and just go for as natural a birth as I can (and no episiotomy unless baby in trouble!) Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly!