Doctors also feared that newborns faced birth trauma from the head pushing for too long against the perineum.

These days, episiotomies are generally not performed as often.

When should an episiotomy be performed?

episiotomy healing, Ask Heidi Murkoff, woman in the hospital

A standing or squatting position while you’re laboring lets gravity work in your favor.

And exhaling or grunting can help with the pushing.

So if you haven’t already,discuss the possibility of an episiotomywith your doctor.

episiotomy healing, Ask Heidi Murkoff, woman in the hospital

It’s very likely that he or she will agree the procedure shouldn’t be performed without good reason.

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episiotomy healing, Ask Heidi Murkoff, woman in the hospital

episiotomy healing, Ask Heidi Murkoff, woman in the hospital

episiotomy healing, Ask Heidi Murkoff, woman in the hospital

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