Episiotomy is a small cut made by the doctor between the vagina and the perineum (perineal area) during labor to widen the vaginal opening and facilitate fetal delivery. It is sometimes performed naturally when the perineum tears during delivery and is called a natural tear.
Episiotomy is performed only in some cases, such as:
- Fetal distress and need for quick delivery or large fetal size.
- Fetus exposure to complications such as shoulder dystocia or inability to control fetal descent.
- When using medical instruments such as forceps to help widen the vaginal opening.
- If the fetus is in breech position or when putting the head in a specific position to avoid shoulder entrapment.