DefinitionEpisiotomy is a procedure in which the skin between the vagina and anus is cut. (This area is called the perineum.) Episiotomy is done occasionally to enlarge the vaginal opening so that a baby can be more easily delivered.DescriptionJust before the baby is born, the obstetrician numbs the vaginal area opening and makes one of two cuts:A mediolateral cut is angled down away from the vagina and into the muscle.A midline cut is made straight down between the vagina and anus.The cut makes the opening to the vagina bigger. The cut is stitched closed after the baby and placenta have been delivered.Why the Procedure Is PerformedEpisiotomies were once routinely performed to prevent vaginal tears during delivery. Today, routine episiotomies are not recommended.However, episiotomies may s