What is an episiotomy?
• An episiotomy is an incision in the perenium to enlarge the vaginal opening. A midline episiotomy (more common in North America) entends from the vaginal opening towards (and sometimes through) the rectum. A mediolateral episiotomy (more common in Europe) extends to the side. Midline’s are easier to heal and less painful, but can extend into the rectum. A mediolateral is more painful and harder to heal, but does not extend into the rectum.
