Routine episiotomy is performed less frequently in many
hospitals now and is not recommended as a routine procedure
during childbirth by the ACOG. Despite these recommendations it
is still common in many hospitals so it’s best to find out what
your practitioner and hospital’s guidelines are for this
procedure. An episiotomy is an incision made in the perineum,
the skin between the vagina and anus. It is intended to widen
the vaginal opening to facilitate birth. The risks of this
include an increased risk of greater tearing, sphincter muscle
dysfunction, pain during intercourse, increased risk of
infection, and increased pain and healing time after delivery.
Many women are afraid to tear during delivery; however, many
women who tear report significantly less pain and recovery time
after a tear than women who had an episiotomy. It is also
thought that a tear will heal more quickly and naturally (even
if stitches are needed) because the skin will essentially graft
itself back together easier than it would from a