It is an incision made in the female perineum (between the vulva and the anus) to increase the vaginal opening and facilitate childbirth. It can prevent complications.
Traditionally, this was a fairly common technique for vaginal births. But many studies have shown that it is not necessary in the vast majority of cases and can be very traumatic for the woman, causing pain, bleeding and sexual dysfunction.
Nowadays it is generally discouraged. Organización Mundial de la Saludúnicamente recomienda su realización en casos concretos y muy necesarios como:
•Complicated births of very large babies.
•Breech births.
•Births that require instruments (forceps, suction cups, etc.).
• Fetal distress, baby with shoulder dystocia.
• Poor vaginovulvoperineal elasticity or high risk of tearing.
We can help prevent episiotomy by strengthening the pelvic floor with some simple exercises during pregnancy. To do this, it is usually recommended:
•Practice Kegel exercises.
•Perineal massages from week 32 or 33 of pregnancy.
•Breathing and pushing techniques (usually taught in childbirth preparation classes).