Episiotomy

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:

• The cut may tear and become larger during the delivery. The tear may reach into the muscle around the rectum, or even into the rectum itself.
• There may be more blood loss.
• The cut and the stitches may get infected.
• Sex may be painful for the first few months after birth.

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

Will I Need An Episiotomy?

Times when an episiotomy is often performed include:

• If you are pushing as the baby’s head is close to coming out, and you tear up toward the urethral area 
• If labor is stressful for the baby and the pushing phase needs to be shortened to decrease problems for the baby
• If the baby's head or shoulders are too big for the mother's vaginal opening
• If the baby is in a breech position (feet or buttocks coming first) and there is a problem during delivery
• If instruments (forceps or vacuum extractor) are needed to help get the baby out

Not every woman will need an episiotomy during childbirth. Many women get through childbirth without tearing on their own, and without needing a cut.

Episiotomies don't heal better than tears. They often take longer to heal since the cut is usually deeper than a natural tear. In both cases, the cut or tear must be stitched and properly cared for after childbirth.

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 haven’t already had an epidural).

Next, a small incision (cut) is made. There are two types of cuts: median and medio-lateral.

• The median incision is the most common type. It is a straight cut in the middle of the perineum.
• The medio-lateral incision is made at an angle. It is less likely to tear through to the anus, but it takes longer to heal than the median cut.

Your doctor will then deliver the baby through the enlarged opening.

• Next, your doctor will deliver the placenta (afterbirth).
• 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.

• Practice Kegel exercises.
• Perform perineal massage during the 4 - 6 weeks before birth.
• Practice the techniques you learned in childbirth class to control your breathing and your urge to push. 

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

References

Hartmann K, Viswanathan M, Palmieri R, Gartlehner G, Thorp J Jr, Lohr KN. Outcomes of routine episiotomy: a systematic review. JAMA. 2005;293(17):2141-2148.

American College of Obstetricians-Gynecologists. Episiotomy. Clinical Management Guidelines for Obstetrician-Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin. 2006;71.

Carroli G, Mignini L. Episiotomy for vaginal birth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009;1:CD000081.

Cunningham FG, Leveno KJ, Bloom SL, et al. Normal labor and delivery. In: Cunnigham FG, Leveno KL, Bloom SL, et al, eds. Williams Obstetrics. 23rd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2010:chap 17.

Update Date: 4/22/2012

Updated by: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Bellevue, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.