This is a small cut you may need when you give birth. It makes the opening of your vagina larger. It speeds up delivery. It helps your baby come out without tearing your vagina. And if a baby is stuck inside you, it makes space for forceps or an extractor.
Before your episiotomy, you're given a numbing injection. If you've already had an epidural or other anesthesia, you may not need an injection.
There are two types of episiotomy cuts. The most common starts at the bottom of your vagina and goes down. The second type starts near the bottom of the vagina and goes out at an angle. The cut you'll have is based on your needs. After delivery, your cut is closed with sutures.
You need to properly care for your episiotomy as it heals. Follow your doctor's instructions for a safe recovery.