Episiotomy is a surgical technique that was first originated in Ireland in the 1700's. Today it has become a very common and minor surgical procedure performed in the majority of births.
An episiotomy is an incision made to enlarge the vaginal opening before the baby's head is delivered. It is performed in as many as 80 - 90% of all first births. There are two types: the mid-line, and medial-lateral. Both have their pluses and minuses. You can find physicians on both ends of the spectrum as to whether or not an episiotomy is needed in all deliveries. The advantages include:
Those who oppose episiotomy state that:
These physicians feel that local massage and Kegel exercises during the pregnancy, basically a muscle tightening exercise, will prepare the perineum for delivery.
Most physicians will agree that whether or not an episiotomy is needed, it is a decision that should be made at the time of delivery as the baby's head is crowning.
Some women do not need episiotomies and there are some that do. Let your practitioner know what your feelings are long before you go into labor.