Just before the baby is born, the obstetrician numbs the vaginal area opening and makes one of two cuts:
A mediolateral 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 opening to the vagina bigger. The cut is stitched closed after the baby and placenta have been delivered.
How is the Episiotomy done?
Just before the baby is born, the obstetrician numbs the vaginal area opening and makes one of two cuts:
A mediolateral 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 opening to the vagina bigger. The cut is stitched closed after the baby and placenta have been delivered.