Episiotomy

An episiotomy is a cut that is made (with your consent) to the perineum (the area between your vagina and your rectum) to assist in the birth of your baby. Your midwife or doctor may recommend this if:

• your baby’s heartbeat suggests that he or she needs to be born as quickly as possible.
• if you are having an assisted birth; or
• if there is a high risk of a serious tear affecting your rectum. An episiotomy is repaired using dissolvable stitches and normally heals within a month of birth.