Procedures Explained

Procedure Episiotomy
What Is It? Surgical incision in the perineal muscles and tissue
Who Needs It? Women whose babies must be delivered immediately due to bradycardia (low heart tones)
Who Doesn't Need It Most women in childbirth
Risks 1. Increase in third- and fourth-degree lacerations involving the rectal sphincter
2. Postoperative pain
3. Sexual dysfunction due to long-term perineal pain
4. Infection
Benefit Minimal decrease in length of second-stage labor

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