episiotomy
noun
epi·si·ot·o·my
i-ˌpi-zē-ˈä-tə-mē 
-ˌpē-
-ˌpē-
: surgical incision of the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening for obstetrical purposes during the birth process
Examples of episiotomy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Have episiotomy rates 33% lower compared with maternity care hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.
—
Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 11 Dec. 2024
When To Call the Doctor As with all surgical procedures, complications like infection are possible following an episiotomy.
—Robin Elise Weiss, Phd, Parents, 1 July 2024
An episiotomy may reduce stress on the infant and reduce complications.2
Other benefits of episiotomies may include:2
The infant's head and shoulders cannot fit through your vaginal opening.
—Korin Miller, Health, 15 Sep. 2023
Her water was broken without her consent, and then a doctor gave her a sudden, unexpected episiotomy to pull her son out.
—Katharine Gammon, STAT, 26 June 2023
And then there’s the matter of birth: amongst my friends, there have been emergency caesareans, prematurely ruptured membranes, forceps, episiotomies, and inductions, and that’s just the start of it.
—Faye Keegan, Vogue, 24 June 2023
Sitz baths are also sometimes recommended to treat bladder or yeast infections, cancer radiation treatments, anal fissures, perianal fistulas, uterine cramps, inflammatory bowel disease, and to soothe the area after rectal surgery or an episiotomy.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 14 June 2023
That might include the use of procedures (such as an episiotomy or the administering of IV pitocin) without prior consent; removal of pubic hair; denial of the right to a companion, adequate nutrition and hydration and the freedom of movement during labor.
—Chantal James, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2022
The Mayo Clinic notes that an episiotomy might only be recommended if the fetus’s shoulder is stuck behind the pelvic bone, the fetus has an unusual heart rate pattern, or forceps or a vacuum are needed.
—Cassie Shortsleeve, SELF, 27 Dec. 2022
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Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 11 Dec. 2024
When To Call the Doctor As with all surgical procedures, complications like infection are possible following an episiotomy.
—Robin Elise Weiss, Phd, Parents, 1 July 2024
An episiotomy may reduce stress on the infant and reduce complications.2
Other benefits of episiotomies may include:2
The infant's head and shoulders cannot fit through your vaginal opening.
—Korin Miller, Health, 15 Sep. 2023
Her water was broken without her consent, and then a doctor gave her a sudden, unexpected episiotomy to pull her son out.
—Katharine Gammon, STAT, 26 June 2023
And then there’s the matter of birth: amongst my friends, there have been emergency caesareans, prematurely ruptured membranes, forceps, episiotomies, and inductions, and that’s just the start of it.
—Faye Keegan, Vogue, 24 June 2023
Sitz baths are also sometimes recommended to treat bladder or yeast infections, cancer radiation treatments, anal fissures, perianal fistulas, uterine cramps, inflammatory bowel disease, and to soothe the area after rectal surgery or an episiotomy.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 14 June 2023
That might include the use of procedures (such as an episiotomy or the administering of IV pitocin) without prior consent; removal of pubic hair; denial of the right to a companion, adequate nutrition and hydration and the freedom of movement during labor.
—Chantal James, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2022
The Mayo Clinic notes that an episiotomy might only be recommended if the fetus’s shoulder is stuck behind the pelvic bone, the fetus has an unusual heart rate pattern, or forceps or a vacuum are needed.
—Cassie Shortsleeve, SELF, 27 Dec. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Episiotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/episiotomy. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
episiotomy
noun
epi·si·ot·o·my
i-ˌpiz-ē-ˈät-ə-mē
-ˌpēz-
-ˌpēz-
plural episiotomies
: surgical enlargement of the vulval orifice for obstetrical purposes during childbirth
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