An episiotomy is a deliberate cut in the perineum (an area of skin and muscle between the vagina and anus) that is done during delivery of a baby.
Why is it done?
When a baby is born, its head stretches the opening of the vagina. It can be a very tight stretch, because the head is large in proportion to the baby's body.
The walls and skin of the vagina will often stretch without tearing. But it can take several minutes for the vaginal tissue to stretch fully, and if there's a need to deliver the baby urgently, the midwife may decide to do an episiotomy to speed up the delivery.
Also, if you need a forceps delivery (delivering the baby using special tongs), the doctor will need to do an episiotomy to make room for both the forceps and the baby's head.
How often is it done?
In the past, up to 90% of women in labour in the UK had episiotomies. Doctors now believe they're not of great benefit and are unnecessary for most women, except when the baby is in distress or the mother is having a forceps delivery. Episiotomies are now done much less frequently.
Episiotomies increase the risk of a third-degree tear (a tear that extends into the anus).
In 2006-2007, 13% of women had an episiotomy in England. They're still used widely in other countries including the US and eastern Europe.
