The question of whether an episiotomy would help if the baby gets stuck under your pelvic bone-NO an episiotomy would not help that. That rarely happens because if the baby is too big then it ususally doesn't even make through the pelvic opening to begin with.
I have found that most doctor rarley do an episiotomy. But whether you tear naturally or whether he cuts you it is probably no difference. If you feel much discomfort "down there" and feel like you are going to tear, tell them to numb you. All the dr's I have worked with always numb the perineum before they did an episiotomy anyway, and alot numbed during delivery because of the burning feeling experienced. That being said, if you have a properly working epidural you shouldn't feel any of that.
I rarely seen forceps being used, I could probably count on both hands the number of times I seen them in my whole 10 years in OB. But I have seen the vacuum extractor used ALOT. That is the suction cup that goes onthe babies head and it has a handle on the end and it helps pull the baby down while you are pushing. It is really helpful when you are numb from your epidural. But there are guidelines that have to be followed, I am sure that your doctor is aware of them. Also at the time of delivery sometimes they turn your epidural pump off so you will be able to feel to push. Ususally you still have alot of the pain relief at the time of deilvery but you can still feel to push-and that is a good thing, even if it doesn't sound like it right now.
Try not to worry too much. This is an exciting time getting ready for your new baby-enjoy this experience. Good luck. Keep us informed. |