Episiotomy

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An episiotomy is a deliberate cut in the perineum, an area of skin and muscle between the vagina and the anus. It is sometimes carried out during delivery of a baby.

When a baby is born, his or her head stretches the opening of the vagina. It can be a very tight stretch, because the head is large in proportion to the babyâ€™s body. Often the walls and skin of the vagina will stretch without tearing. But if a tear seems likely, it is important that this should be in a direction that will minimise harm to the mother, and avoid damaging the rectum or anal passage. A deliberate cut can help avoid serious and uncontrolled tearing.

In the past, up to 90% of women in labour in the UK had episiotomies. Doctors now consider this doesnâ€™t actually have great benefit, so is unnecessary for most women, except when the baby is in distress or the mother may have a serious tear. However, episiotomies are still used widely in other countries such as the US and eastern Europe.

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