A surgical incision through the perineum made to enlarge the vagina and assist childbirth.
A surgical incision made at the entrance to the vagina extending toward the anal sphincter during birth to prevent undue tearing of the vaginal tissues and to assist in the expulsion of the fetus.
Surgical cut of the perineum near the vagina to prevent tearing during childbirth.
A controversial medical procedure in which a surgical incision is made in the tissue between a woman’s vagina and anus during childbirth to ease delivery of the baby. It is generally done when the tissue is under pressure by the baby’s head and seems likely to tear, almost always in cases of forceps delivery or breech fetal presentation, where a larger opening is needed, and often when there are signs of fetal distress. Advocates note that an episiotomy causes less pressure on the head of a premature baby and enlarges the vaginal opening neatly, preventing the tears in tissue that can otherwise occur, which are harder to repair afterward and can lead to complications. Critics say that episiotomies have been overused, with some obstretricians performing episiotomies almost routinely, and that it sometimes causes discomfort long after the birth. In exploring childbirth alternatives, parents will want to explore a doctor’s or hospital’s policies on episiotomies.
Incision made to enlarge the opening of the vagina during a difficult birth or forceps delivery. The purpose is to make the delivery easier or to hasten it, and to avoid stretching and tearing adjacent muscle and tissue.
Process of cutting the vulva; used to assist delivery of the fetus.
A procedure during childbirth in which an incision is made in the mother’s perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus). The incision enlarges the vaginal opening and allows the baby to pass through it more easily to avoid tearing the vaginal skin during delivery. The incision is stitched closed after the birth.
An incision into the tissues surrounding the opening of the vagina (perineum) during a difficult birth, at the stage when the infant’s head has partly emerged through the opening of the birth passage. The aim is to enlarge the opening in a controlled manner so as to make delivery easier and to avoid extensive tearing of adjacent tissues.
A cut made in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening and facilitate childbirth when the baby’s head (or in a breech delivery, the buttocks) is making slow progress down the birth canal, or when forceps have to be applied.
Incision of the perineum at the end of the second stage of labor to avoid spontaneous laceration of the perineum and to facilitate delivery. In the U.S. episiotomy is done in about 40% of all vaginal deliveries, making the procedure one of the most common forms of surgery performed on women. Perineal massage in the weeks before delivery can reduce the use of episiotomy.
A surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the bottom of the vagina as the baby’s head is being delivered.
An excision made in the perineal region, which is the region situated between the vulva and the anus, with the purpose of facilitating childbirth and mitigating the risk of significant perineal lacerations.
A medical operation that involves making a cut in the perineum, the area between the vagina and the anus, to aid in the birthing process of a baby. Once the baby has been delivered, the cut tissues are then sutured back together.
An episiotomy is recommended when the perineum does not sufficiently expand over the baby’s head, or if there’s a high probability of a significant perineal tear. This method prevents uneven tears, which could cause more pain, be harder to mend, and increase the risk of complications. The necessity for an episiotomy usually arises during a forceps delivery, as the instruments take up more space within the vagina, and during a breech delivery, where the perineal tissues have limited chances for gradual expansion.
However, in most instances, the vagina, due to its natural elasticity, should not require an incision for a typical childbirth to take place.
A surgical cut made in the rear section of the vaginal opening to facilitate the passage of the baby’s head during childbirth and prevent significant tearing. After the birth, the incision is sutured closed.