An episiotomy, also known as a perineotomy or episiotomy, is a surgical procedure performed near the end of labor.The incision is made when the baby's head or shoulders pass through the vaginal opening.A tricky moment, because
on the one hand, the child must be born quickly so that it can breathe.On the other hand, it must not go too fast, otherwise the perineum will tear, since the stretching pressure on the vaginal opening is greatest now.To prevent the child from being endangered by insufficient oxygen or an uncontrolled tear, in some cases the perineum is cut as a precautionary measure, which gives the head more space.Before an episiotomy, the affected tissue is usually anesthetized and then severed with scissors, which are rounded at the bottom for safety reasons.

The episiotomy used to have a slightly better reputation than it does today.At that time it was carried out much more frequently because it was believed that it could prevent a perineal tear.In truth, however, it is the case that the episiotomy can only promote a larger tear because the tissue is destroyed in its normally solid structure and becomes a predetermined breaking point, so to speak.In the past, it was also believed that mothers whose perineum had been incised were less prone to bladder or pelvic floor weakness.Nowadays, both assumptions are no longer up to date, so that mostly only cuts are made when there is danger.For example, when the baby's heart beats weak or the baby's head is too big.An episiotomy is also performed when the child is in the breech position,i.e. with the head below the mother’s pelvic floor.Either a doctor or a midwife and obstetrician are responsible for the incision.