An episiotomy is a cut made in the skin and muscle of the perineum and vaginal wall.
- It is offered if:
- You are having an assisted birth (forceps or ventouse)
- There is a need for your baby to be born more quickly (for example, concerns about your baby’s heart rate)
- Your midwife/doctor is concerned you may have a serious tear.
You will always be asked for consent before an episiotomy is done, and local anaesthetic will be given to numb the area first. It is sutured following the birth in the same way as a natural tear.
