Episiotomy and its impact on quality of life. Study of the experience of four women with sequelae derived from the intervention

Identifier:  TFG:2705

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFG2705

Authors:  Rego Pacheco, Laura

Abstract:
Introduction: Episiotomy was one of the most common surgical interventions performed routinely in delivery process. However, after some studies its use has been questioned and restricted. This leads to less severe perineal trauma and fewer complications. Nevertheless, episiotomies’ currently rate exceeds the recommendations made by relevant organisations of the subject. This increase in the rate leads to more long-term complications in women, such as pain, urinary incontinence, dyspareunia, and pelvic floor problems. With that in mind, it is important professionals ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks. Objectives: Our main aim is to explore the episiotomy’s experience procedure and identify its impact on life quality. Methodology: This project it is a descriptive phenomenological pilot study. The sample has been made up by four women. The data has been collected through semi-structured interviews. After analysing the results, six general categories have been identified: delivery process, episiotomy’s consequences, rehabilitation, information, decision-making, experiences and perceptions. Results and discussion: In all women the use of episiotomy procedure was justified. However, each of them had physical and emotional consequences that affected their life quality. It is observed that in all the participants there has been a lack of information and the women have not been involved in their health decision-making, during and after delivery. This has affected their individual experience and perception of birth. Conclusions: Restrictive episiotomy represents an improvement in women’s’ quality of life. Pregnant women should be provided with information about the procedure after, during and before the technique. A unanimous approach based on scientific evidence is relevant to contribute in the perception that pregnant women have on their own safety and in order to provide them with more humanized care. The midwife plays a fundamental role in the accompaniment of women.