| Episiotomy |
| An episiotomy is a small cut in the perineum (the skin between the vagina and anus). They do the procedure to prevent tears in the perineum during child birth. Episiotomies were once a routine procedure to prevent tears, in particular, ones from the vagina to the anus. There is now controversy of the necessity of this procedure. Since some women may only have a small or no tear. To perform an episiotomy, a local anesthetic is normally used. Just before the baby is born, the doctor will make a small incision at the bottom of the vaginal opening. This gives the baby more room to come out. After the baby and placenta is delivered, the incision is closed with stitches. Episiotomies often heal quicker than a tear and prevents stretching of the vagina. |
| Risks |
| The only risks involved with this procedure is the normal surgical risks. * Difficulty breathing or an allergic reaction due to anesthesia * Bleeding or infection caused by the incision |
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