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Expert Q&A
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| By Kathy Loebel Kathy Loebel is a certified nurse midwife | ||
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I am concerned about having an episiotomy. Is there any way to reduce the chances of having one or even tearing?
There are many factors which play into whether a woman tears or has an episiotomy. Some of these factors are the mother's prior delivery status, nutritional status, size of the baby, as well as factors at the time of delivery ( i.e. baby's heart rate). Speak to your doctor or midwife, as he/she can help you by teaching you how to maintain good nutritional status during your pregnancy as well as teach you about perineal massage after 36 weeks gestation."
