episiotomy

surgery

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

An episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the perineum, the area between the vaginal opening and the anus. This procedure is performed during childbirth to enlarge the vaginal opening, facilitating the delivery of the baby.1

While vaginal lacerations can occur and may cause bleeding, an episiotomy can help prevent extensive tears of the perineum. Other measures to avoid such injuries include careful management of labor, manual assistance during delivery, avoiding overly rapid birth, and proper use of forceps. Deeper lacerations, whether in the vagina, cervix, or uterus, may require surgical repair.2

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birth
Lacerations
…be avoided by performing an episiotomy—an incision in the vulvar orifice, the external genital opening—before delivery of the infant’s head. Also, attention on the health care provider’s part to the mechanism of labour, manual assistance in delivery of the head and shoulders, avoidance of too rapid delivery, delivery between pains,…
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…be avoided by performing an episiotomy—an incision in the vulvar orifice, the external genital opening—before delivery of the infant’s head. Also, attention on the health care provider’s part to the mechanism of labour, manual assistance in delivery of the head and shoulders, avoidance of too rapid delivery, delivery between pains,…
Read More