Should I be afraid of an episiotomy?

If you're afraid of having an incision made in your perineum during childbirth, don't worry, an episiotomy is a common procedure.

• An episiotomy is a small incision made in the vulva to prevent tearing when your baby comes out.
• It is only performed if necessary to protect your health and that of your baby.
• It is practically painless, masked by the contraction pains or the epidural.
• This incision does not touch the anus, so you don't have to worry about after-effects. After the birth, three stitches under local anesthesia will make you forget about it.