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Episiotomy
Definition:
Episiotomy is a procedure where the skin between the vagina and the anus (the perineum) is cut. It is done occasionally to enlarge the vaginal opening so that a baby can be more easily delivered. Description:
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Just before the baby is born, the obstetrician numbs the vaginal area and makes one of two cuts: - A medliolateral cut is angled down away from the vagina and into the muscle.
- A midline cut is made straight down between the vagina and anus.
The cut makes the vaginal opening bigger. It is closed after the baby and placenta have been delivered. Indications:
An episiotomy may be needed if the baby's head is too big for the mother's vaginal opening, or the baby is in a breech position (feet or buttocks coming first) and there is a problem during delivery. References:
Hartmann K, Viswanathan M, Palmieri R, Gartlehner G, Thorp J Jr, Lohr KN. Outcomes of routine episiotomy: a systematic review. JAMA. 2005 May 4;293(17):2141-8. American Pregnancy Association. Episiotomy. Available at: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/episiotomy.html. Accessed May 12, 2005.
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