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| 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 |

