Episiotomy: When it's needed, when it's not

Articles

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

Healthcare professionals no longer recommend episiotomies for most people giving birth. But they are needed in some situations.

An episiotomy might be useful if a baby needs to be delivered quickly because:

The baby has a heart rate pattern during pushing that is very concerning.
Forceps or a vacuum device are needed for delivery, and the risk of a tear that affects the anus is high without an episiotomy.
The baby's shoulder is stuck behind the pelvic bone, a condition called shoulder dystocia.