Episiotomy

An episiotomy is a cut (incision) in the perineum that is made just as the baby is about to be delivered. It may occasionally be used in situations where the baby needs help to exit more quickly. The cut is then sutured under local anaesthesia.

Episiotomies are no longer done routinely because they have been shown to increase the risk of deep tears to the perineum.


Perineum: The part of the body between the vagina and the anus.