Definition

1. Noun:
   • A surgical procedure involving an incision made in the perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus) during the final stages of labor. The purpose is to enlarge the vaginal opening to facilitate the delivery of the baby and to prevent uncontrolled tearing of the tissue.

Usage

• The word is a medical term used specifically in the context of obstetrics and childbirth.
• It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., , ).
• It describes a planned, controlled surgical cut, distinguishing it from a spontaneous perineal tear.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The obstetrician decided to perform an episiotomy to assist with the difficult delivery.
  • Recovery from an episiotomy requires careful hygiene and can take several weeks.
  • Modern obstetric practice aims to reduce the routine use of episiotomies.

Advanced Usage

• "to perform an episiotomy": the standard phrase for the action carried out by a doctor or midwife.
  • The midwife had to perform an episiotomy when the baby's shoulders became stuck.
• "to require an episiotomy": used when the medical situation necessitates the procedure.
  • The rapid delivery meant she did not require an episiotomy.

Variants and Related Words

• Episiotomies (n): The standard plural form of the noun.
• Perineum (n): The anatomical area where the incision is made.
• Perineal tear (n): A related term for a spontaneous laceration of the same area, which an episiotomy is sometimes intended to prevent or control.

Synonyms

• Perineotomy (n): A less common but technically accurate synonym.
• Surgical incision of the perineum (n phrase): A descriptive phrase defining the procedure.

Antonyms / Contrasting Concepts

• Intact perineum (n phrase): Refers to a delivery where no surgical incision or significant tearing occurs.
• Spontaneous perineal tear/laceration (n phrase): An uncontrolled tear, which is a different type of injury to the same area.

Noun

1. surgical incision of the perineum to enlarge the vagina and so facilitate delivery during childbirth