Episiotomies can cause incontinence

An episiotomy is a cut that is made in the lower vagina passing backwards towards the anus/buttocks during childbirth. The aim is to widen the vaginal opening particularly in cases where the fetus is in danger or the mother’s outlet is particularly small or rigid. Unfortunately, many episiotomies are performed as a routine even where there are no problems.
An expert panel sponsored by the National Institute of Health in the U.S. concluded that episiotomies should only be performed during difficult deliveries as they may cause up to 1,000 cases of fecal incontinence every year in that country. Damage to the muscles surrounding the anus during an episiotomy can lead to inability to hold back feces (fecal incontinence).
Unfortunately, we don’t have such accurate statistics here in Nigeria. But I’ve seen first hand the harm that episiotomies can do. Even if they don’t lead to incontinence, the discomfort arising from an episiotomy that isn’t repaired properly can linger for months. Naturally, this makes intercourse very uncomfortable.
Many midwives in particular do them automatically, even when the outlet is wide enough to allow the baby’s head to pass through. They are given almost automatically if the mother is having her first delivery. Totally unnecessary. Some education and a rethink is definitely needed.