Complications Birth Disorders Disclaimer Perineal damage and Episiotomy Damage to the perineum , the skin between the vagina and anus, is one of the traumas most frequently suffered by women during delivery , even during labour and delivery that are considered normal . An episiotomy is an incision through the perineum and the vaginal wall. Insufficient progress of delivery, i.e. slow labour . Liberal use of episiotomy prevents serious perineal trauma.
Episiotomies prevent trauma to the foetal head.
Episiotomies prevent trauma to the muscles of the pelvic floor, and thus prevent urinary stress incontinence. However, no real evidence exists to support such suggested benefits. For further, more detailed information on this topic, please refer to the reference source for this page. Report of a Technical Working Group, World Health Organisation, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, 1999.