The usual cut (incision) for an episiotomy goes straight down and typically does not involve the muscles around the rectum or the rectum itself. However, we suspect that during birth when the region is engorged with blood and the vaginal orifice pulled inferiorly and anteriorly, mediolateral episiotomy could result in nerve damage more often than in cadaveric dissection. " I had some nerve damage from my episiotomy and like you I was so scared I'd never feel normal again. Nerve damage during childbirth. In those situations, the benefit of an episiotomy outweighs the risks which can include severe tearing, muscle and nerve damage and prolonged healing. Just the pressure of the second stage of labour, which is the 'pushing' stage, can result in permanent nerve damage. Most of my numbness went around 8-12 weeks PP, but I'm not sure how extensive yours is in comparison, so maybe it will take longer. This is because pudendal nerve curves around the ischial spine, leaving it exposed. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, in which a fine needle electrode inserted into the leg sends an electrical pulse through the nerves that affect pelvic floor muscles, improving their function. As the baby passes it will stretch and pushing upon the nerve. A natural tear, while it has risks, is often mild. The superficial perineal nerve was damaged in 20% of the cadavers, and the anterior labial nerve was damaged in 13% of the cadavers. Anesthesia in the form of nerve blocks or local injections of anesthetic are given if the patient has not received regional anesthesia (such an epidural) for the delivery. Pregnancy, labour and the delivery of a baby all put the pelvic floor under tremendous strain. The nerve that often suffers the most harm is the pudendal nerve. Pudendal nerve damage is commonly associated with the vaginal delivery of a baby. Occasionally, it is more severe and requires many stitches, and it can include some of the same risks as an episiotomy. Ordinarily this will happen during the second stage of labour when the baby is level with the ischial spine. To find a practitioner: Visit the Web site of the American Physical Therapy Association at www.apta.org , click on “Find a PT,” then search the “women’s health” practice area. It did take me a little while, but I'd say I'm almost back to normal now.