Health Care Encyclopedia
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Episiotomy - seriesNormal anatomy: The external female genitalia include the labia, the opening to the vaginal canal, and the clitoris. During birth, the vaginal canal expands to let the baby through. 
Indication: 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. Just before the baby is born and while the woman is awake and pain-free (local anesthesia), an incision is made at the bottom of the vaginal opening to enlarge it for the delivery of the baby's head. 
Aftercare: Stitches (sutures) are used to close the incision after both the baby and placenta have been delivered. The stitches are absorbed by the body and do not need to be removed. 
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| Review Date: 5/23/2005
Reviewed By: Sharon Roseanne Thompson, M.D., M.P.H., Clinical Fellow, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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