Site Map

Episiotomy

Labor - episiotomy; Vaginal delivery - episiotomy

An episiotomy is a minor surgery that widens the opening of the vagina during childbirth. It is a cut to the perineum -- the skin and muscles between the vaginal opening and anus.

Presentation

Episiotomy - series

I Would Like to Learn About:

What are the Risks?

There are some risks to having an episiotomy. Because of the risks, episiotomies are not as common as they used to be. The risks include:

Sometimes, an episiotomy can be helpful even with the risks.

Will I Need an Episiotomy?

Many women get through childbirth without tearing the tissue around the vagina on their own, and without needing an episiotomy. In fact, recent studies show that not having an episiotomy is best for most women in labor.

Episiotomies don't heal better than tears. They often take longer to heal since the cut is often deeper than a natural tear. In both cases, the cut or tear must be stitched and properly cared for after childbirth. At times, an episiotomy may be needed to ensure the best outcome for you and your baby such as when:

What Happens if I Need an Episiotomy?

Just before your baby is born and as the head is about to crown, your doctor or midwife will give you a shot to numb the area (if you have not already had an epidural).

Next, a small incision (cut) is made. There are 2 types of cuts: median and mediolateral.

Your health care provider will then deliver the baby through the enlarged opening.

Next, your provider will deliver the placenta (afterbirth). Then the cut will be stitched closed.

How can I Avoid an Episiotomy?

You can do things to strengthen your body for labor that may lower your chances of needing an episiotomy.

Keep in mind, even if you do these things, you may still need an episiotomy. Your provider will decide if you should have one based on what happens during your labor.

References

Baggish MS. Episiotomy. In: Baggish MS, Karram MM, eds. Atlas of Pelvic Anatomy and Gynecologic Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 78.

Kilpatrick SJ, Garrison E, Fairbrother E. Normal labor and delivery. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 11.

BACK TO TOP

Review Date: 4/19/2022  

Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

ADAM Quality Logo
Health Content Provider
06/01/2025

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. This site complied with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information from 1995 to 2022, after which HON (Health On the Net, a not-for-profit organization that promoted transparent and reliable health information online) was discontinued.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2024 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.