Articles
Episiotomy: When it's needed, when it's not
The role of warm compresses and tissue massage
The episiotomy tradition
The new approach
Healing from an episiotomy
Accept some uncertainty
Content
The history
Today's approach
How it works
Episiotomy risks
Healing after an episiotomy
Learn what to expect
The episiotomy tradition
The new approach
Healing from an episiotomy
Accept some uncertainty
Content
The history
Today's approach
How it works
Episiotomy risks
Healing after an episiotomy
Learn what to expect
The episiotomy tradition
For years, an episiotomy was thought to help prevent larger vaginal tears during childbirth. Experts believed an incision would heal better than a natural tear. The procedure was also thought to help preserve the muscles and connective tissue that support the pelvic floor.
Today, however, research suggests that routine episiotomies don't prevent these problems after all.
