Can I request an episiotomy?

**gcmum10** · 07-06-2011 20:15

I know that sounds like a crazy thing to want, but does anyone know if you can request an episiotomy, or even better request a vacuum extraction?

With my first birth I found the pushing stage by far the worst and am now dreading it the second time around. For me, I still had the intense pain of each contraction, but combined with wanting to vomit, not being able to catch my breath between pushes and feeling like my body was overheating. I remember needing iced towels thrown all over me and still feeling so hot that I was going to die (is that normal?!). I pushed for 1.5 hours before the midwife said DD's heart rate was dropping and that they would vacuum and episiotomy her out on the next contraction. Pure bliss!!!

So my question... next time can I skip the hour or so of absolute torture and get straight to the vacuum or episiotomy?

info: My first labour was 19 hours, no pain relief, 9.5pound baby.

**Daydream Believer** · 07-06-2011 20:28

Hey,

I was all set to ask for an episiotomy before it became urgent the second time around too, but the second time really was a billion timea easier.

I knew what mistakes I made (not being upright and active enough), I knew how to push, and my body knew how to get 'ready' more efficiently.

I would discuss it with your middie/ob when you first get there, while you're still clear headed, but IMO you may be able to get away this time without anything like that (if it's something you want)

My first was a 21hr labour, 5 hours pushing, 2 failed vacuum, and then a forceps delivery with an episiotomy (if it had failed he would have been a cs)

My second was a 5 hrs from waters breaking to birth, 3hrs 'labour' an 20mins pushing.

Both with just gas.
Hope your second time is much better!

**Theophania** · 07-06-2011 20:30

My first question is what position did you push in? Were you on your back on the bed?

The only reason I ask is that vacuum delivery carries some risks to the baby. I think you would have to do some pushing anyway to get the baby far enough down so that the vacuum could be applied.

**gcmum10** · 07-06-2011 20:39

Thanks guys. I'm very glad to hear your second birth was easier Chelleylane - that gives me a bit of optimism!!

And, yes, I was on my back

I never understood why, because in all my classes at the hospital they were telling us to try all the other positions, but when it came time to push I was pretty much encouraged onto my back. I remember in between gasps I said, 'shouldn't I be kneeling or something?'. I can't remember the response but don't think I was in any shape to move by that point. Will do it differently next time!

**Daydream Believer** · 07-06-2011 21:14

Gcmum, does the gc stand for Gold Coast?

I really really encourage you to stay upright! I had my second at the Gold Coast Hospital and I bounced on a ball and paced the room until I couldnt take it anymore, then I bounced on the ball in the shower, and then I birthed in a kneeling position, hugging the bed. My midwife was awesome! She really helped me to make my decisions myself by listenin to my instincts (which I claimed not to hear, and begged for her to tell me if I was ready to push, even though I was having the urge, I was scared of trying too early).

This time, do anything u can to avoid being on your back! They have a fetal scalp monitor, which let's you stay relatively active. Just be pushy!

**Theophania** · 07-06-2011 21:15

Originally Posted by gcmum10

Thanks guys. I'm very glad to hear your second birth was easier Chelleylane - that gives me a bit of optimism!!

And, yes, I was on my back

I never understood why, because in all my classes at the hospital they were telling us to try all the other positions, but when it came time to push I was pretty much encouraged onto my back. I remember in between gasps I said, 'shouldn't I be kneeling or something?'. I can't remember the response but don't think I was in any shape to move by that point. Will do it differently next time!

TBH I definitely do not think you will have the same problems next time if you try a different position to birth in. I know with my first I was stuck on my back and could not push him out (ended with emergency cesarean), my second I birth on my knees in a squatting position and had no issues what so ever. I would definitely give that a go before episiotomy and vac

**cindye** · 07-06-2011 21:29

I pushed for 3hrs in my first labour before DD was vacuumed out, with DD2, pushing lasted just 10mins (4 contractions) and was so much easier. Your next labour might be much quicker and easier.

**gcmum10** · 08-06-2011 13:46

Originally Posted by Chelleylane

Gcmum, does the gc stand for Gold Coast?

Yes it does. Although DD wasn't born at Gold Coast Hospital, but I will be going there next time. Pleased to hear you had a good experience there

Hopefully I'll get into the birth centre... they might be more helpful with birthing positions.

**Mimi29** · 16-06-2011 13:42

If you want to have an episiotomy you should be able to request, just make sure you make it clear and that you are ready to be pushy at the time.
That said, I wouldn't worry too much about pushing the second time around. With DS I had over an hour and half of pushing, then he was delivered via forcepts (I was on my back, having had an epidural). With DD I pushed for seven minutes, in a kneeling positions. All of my friends agree the pushing stage went soooo much quicker second time around.
Good luck.