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 history
For years, episiotomies were thought to help prevent larger vaginal tears during childbirth. Experts believed a cut would heal better than a natural tear. An episiotomy also was thought to help protect the muscles and connective tissue that support the pelvic floor. Now research suggests that episiotomies don't prevent these problems after all.
