In this Article

• What is an episiotomy?
• How common is episiotomy?
• How is an episiotomy done?
• What are the advantages of an episiotomy?
• How is an episiotomy repaired?
• What are the possible complications of an episiotomy, and should an episiotomy be part of a routine delivery?
• What is the healing time for an episiotomy?
• Episiotomy Index

What are the possible complications of an episiotomy, and should an episiotomy be part of a routine delivery?

Episiotomy can be associated with extensions or tears into the muscle of the rectum or even the rectum itself. Other complications can include:

• bleeding,
• infection,
• swelling,
• defects in wound closure,
• local pain, and
• a short-term possibility of sexual dysfunction.

Studies have shown conflicting results regarding the question of whether performing an episiotomy results in greater postpartum pain than not performing the procedure.

However, it is important to note that if the baby needs to be delivered more urgently, then waiting for the mother to push it out without the assistance of an episiotomy may in certain cases cause harm to the fetus. Also, there are some tears that occur when no incision is made that are very difficult to repair and cause greater blood loss than might otherwise occur.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports the position of restricted, instead of routine, use of episiotomy. Instead, episiotomy should be considered in certain situations when there is a high risk of severe lacerations or the need to facilitate rapid delivery of a fetus.

What is the healing time for an episiotomy?

The typical healing time for an episiotomy is around 4 to 6 weeks depending on the size of the incision and the type of suture material used to close the wound.

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