Episiotomy

Definition:

Surgical procedure that involves cutting the perineum during labor to enlarge the vaginal opening and help delivery, while preventing spontaneous vaginal tears.

Description:

Just before the baby is born and while the woman is awake and pain-free (local anesthesia), the obstetrician makes an incision at the bottom of the vaginal opening. This enlarges the vaginal opening to prevent vaginal tears as the baby's head is delivered. The incision is stitched (sutured) closed after the baby and placenta have been delivered.

Indications:

An episiotomy is done to enlarge the vaginal opening to prevent tearing during birth.