Episiotomy and Perineal Tears

Overview

An episiotomy (say "eh-pih-zee-AH-tuh-mee") is a cut the doctor or midwife makes in the perineum (say "pair-uh-NEE-um"), which is the area between the vagina and anus. It is done to help deliver the baby or to help prevent the muscles and skin from tearing.

The cut is made just before the baby's head comes out of the birth canal. It is stitched up after the birth.

When is an episiotomy needed?

There are times when an episiotomy is needed—for example, if the baby's heart rate drops too much during pushing or if the baby's position is causing problems. The decision cannot be made until delivery. Episiotomies are more common with first-time deliveries.

Routine episiotomy is not recommended. Experts say that episiotomy:¹

• Usually is not needed, especially during routine births.
• Does not tend to heal faster than a perineal tear. And it often causes more pain.
• Can cause more damage to the muscles around the vagina and rectum than a tear does.

In the past, episiotomy was a very common part of childbirth. Many doctors no longer do episiotomies routinely. But a few still do. If you have a concern about this, talk to your doctor or midwife ahead of time.

Can you prevent perineal tears?

It's not uncommon for the perineum to tear during birth. But there are steps you can take to help prevent this:^{2, 3}

• Pay attention to your position during labor. Different positions may put less pressure on your perineum. You may feel more comfortable sitting upright, lying on your side, or getting down on your hands and knees, for example.
• Avoid having anyone push down on your belly to speed up delivery. To keep from tearing, your perineum needs to stretch slowly and gently.
• Talk to your birthing coach ahead of time so you agree on when and how hard you should push.
• Have someone provide perineal support. This means pushing against the perineum to protect it from tearing as the baby's head stretches it. This is sometimes done with a hot, moist cloth.
• Do Kegel exercises in the months before childbirth. These can strengthen your pelvic muscles.
• Practice perineal massage. This type of massage makes the tissue around the vagina more flexible. Some studies show that women who massage this area daily during the last part of their pregnancy are less likely to have tearing.³

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Author:	Sandy Jocoy, RN	Last Updated: December 4, 2009
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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