An episiotomy is a surgical technique to expand the vaginal opening during labor. The procedure requires cutting the perineum (muscles between the vagina and anus).
Episiotomy is most frequently employed on women in the US.
When is an Episiotomy Most Beneficial?
Episiotomies Beneficial Under the Following Circumstances
- Labor is progressing too fast. If you are incapable of slowing down your labor or pushing eminence, doctors trust a clean cut may support avoiding a serious split.
- Fetal or motherly suffering. An episiotomy may be used in deliveries experiencing complications.
- Over Sized or breech baby. An episiotomy ensures a safe delivery in widening the vaginal opening.
What is The Episiotomy Process?
When an episiotomy procedure is employed, just before the head is about to crown, the doctor or anesthetist introduces a local anesthetic into the lower area of your vaginal opening and make an incision.
Two types of incisions
Median: Filters straight down vagina toward the anus
Medio lateral: Introduced at an angle from the vagina towards the anus. The medio lateral encompasses a lengthier healing process.
Once the episiotomy is completed the doctor can deliver the baby and placenta thanks to the larger opening. The incision is immediately stitched secure after delivery.