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Episiotomy is not as common as it used to be

	More and more, doctors and midwives are being trained to make vaginal cuts during childbirth only when they really have to. Turn to ConsumerReportsHealth.org for the most up-to-date information on episiotomy practices and perineal care.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to compare best treatments for vaginal cuts and tears during childbirth.

If you or someone you know has had a cut (episiotomy) or tear during childbirth, you’re not alone. Consumer Reports Health is here to help with the best research about perineal care, and expert evidence and advice about how to treat these cuts and tears.

Key points about perineal care

• A tear in the skin and muscle between your vagina and anal opening can happen during childbirth, especially during the last stage of birth, when the baby’s head or shoulders come out.
• An episiotomy is a cut which your doctor or midwife makes to widen the opening of your vagina to help your baby out.
• Tears and cuts are usually repaired with stitches. Tears or cuts repaired with one long stitch (continuous stitching) hurt less than those repaired with separate stitches.
• An epidural is good for pain relief. But it may increase your chances of a tear or cut because you are more likely to need help with forceps or a vacuum pump.
• Women who stand upright during childbirth are less likely to need a cut, but they have a slightly higher chance of a tear.

Midwives and doctors do not perform as many cuts during childbirth as they used to. Good-quality research has shown that if cuts are made only when needed, the number of cuts and more serious tears in a hospital come down.

We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about Perineal care. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for cuts and tears during childbirth.