An episiotomy is a cut, also called an incision, made in the tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus during childbirth. That area is called the perineum. An episiotomy was once a typical part of childbirth.

Understanding the Context

But now the procedure is used much less often. An episiotomy is a surgical procedure where a small incision is made in the area between your vagina and anus (perineum) during childbirth. It's not as widely used as it once was, but there are some instances where your obstetrician performs an episiotomy. Episiotomy, also known as perineotomy, is a surgical incision of the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall generally done by an obstetrician.

Key Insights

This is usually performed during the second stage of labor to quickly enlarge the aperture, allowing the baby to pass through. An episiotomy is an incision through the area between your vaginal opening and your anus. This area is called the perineum. This procedure is done to make your vaginal opening larger for childbirth. What is an episiotomy?

Final Thoughts

An episiotomy is a surgical cut in the skin between the vagina and the anus (the area called the perineum). It's meant to enlarge the vaginal opening just before the vaginal delivery of the baby's head. In the past, it was common for doctors to perform routine episiotomies during vaginal births. However, experts now only recommend it in certain situations. An episiotomy involves a doctor or... Episiotomy is a procedure in which a small cut is made to widen the opening of the vagina when a woman is giving birth.

It may be done to avoid tearing of the skin at the opening of the vagina. Find out about an episiotomy (a cut between the vagina and anus), including why it might be done during childbirth, how long it takes to heal, and how to prevent a perineal tear.