What
is an episiotomy?
When is it used?
What happens during an episiotomy?
What happens after an episiotomy?
What are the benefits of an episiotomy?
What are the risks and complications
of this procedure?
When should I call the health care
provider?
What is an episiotomy?
An episiotomy is a 1- to 3-inch-long (2 to 4 centimeter) incision
made in the vagina so that the opening of the vagina is wider. Your
health care provider may make this cut before delivery to permit
an easier delivery.
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When is it used?
An episiotomy is used:
- if the baby is in distress and an episiotomy would
allow the baby to be delivered faster
- in most forceps and breech deliveries.
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What happens during an episiotomy?
When your baby's head is stretching the opening of your
vagina, your health care provider will numb the area with
an anesthetic unless you have already been given a block
for pain. Your health care provider will then make
an incision into the tissue between the opening of your
vagina and your rectum.
After you deliver your baby, the health care provider
will stitch the incision. The stitches will not need
to be removed. They will gradually dissolve after
about 10 days.
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What happens after an episiotomy?
The incision should heal quickly, although you may have some
pain and swelling. This can be relieved by:
- ice on the sore area for the first 24 hours
- sitz baths (sitting in bath water) several times a day
- sprays or pads that contain a numbing medicine
- pain medications (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen).
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What are the benefits of an episiotomy?
The benefits of an episiotomy are:
- It may result in easier and better repair than a jagged
tear.
- It may shorten the second stage of labor by relieving muscle
tightness in this area.
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What are the risks and complications
of this procedure?
The risks and complications associated with an episiotomy include:
- increased blood loss
- poor healing or infection of the incision
- pain after delivery
- pain when having sex (once sexual relations are resumed
after delivery)
- discomfort in the scar.
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When should I call my health care
provider?
The episiotomy should feel better and hurt less each day. Call
your health care provider if:
- The pain and swelling do not get better.
- You notice foul-smelling discharge from the episiotomy site.
- You have a fever.
- You have bleeding from the episiotomy site.
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