Before one can fully understand the episiotomy procedure they must know exactly what it is. An episiotomy is a surgical incision in the perineum, which is the area of skin between the vagina and the anus. The incision into the perineum is done to enlarge the space at the outlet. In other words the birth attendant snips the bottom of the vaginal opening to enlarge it for birth.
During labor, when the baby's head is exposed to a diameter of three to four centimeters, the attending physician will pick up a pair of sterile scissors and snip the stretching skin of the perineum downward toward the anus, which is called a median episiotomy. Episiotomies can also be performed downward or sideways or diagonal called mediolateral episiotomy. Those are the main procedures that are performed by physicians although there are various other ways to make the incision. At the end of this essay will be various different types of drawings that illustrates the many different types of an episiotomy. Most physicians sincerely believe that the episiotomy procedure shortens the pushing phase and thus reduces the chance the baby will suffer from oxygen deprivation. Many believe it protects the fetal skull and brain from damage as it thrusts against the pelvic on the way though the birth canal. Another reason given by doctors in support of the episiotomy is to maintain vaginal tightness for the enhanced pleasure of a sexual partner. A lot of episiotomies are also frequently done under circumstances such as for forceps deliveries or in a case when the women is exhausted or not stretching well. Episiotomies are also recommended when there is fetal distress. Meaning when there is no time to wait on the regular birth time, an episiotomy is used to shorten the birthing time to provide aid to the distressed infant.
One has probably concluding from this reading that episiotomies are painful and this question always arises.