episiotomy

American  

[uh-pee-zee-ot-uh-mee, ep-uh-sahy-] / əˌpi ziˈɒt ə mi, ˌɛp ə saɪ- /

noun

Obstetrics, Surgery.

plural

episiotomies

1. an incision into the perineum and vagina to allow sufficient clearance for birth.

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episiotomy British  

/ əˌpiːzɪˈɒtəmɪ /

noun

1. surgical incision into the perineum during the late stages of labour to prevent its laceration during childbirth and to make delivery easier

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episiotomy Scientific  

/ ĭ-pĭz′ē-ŏt′ə-mē,ĭ-pē′zē- /

1. Surgical incision of the perineum during vaginal childbirth to facilitate delivery.

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Etymology

Origin of episiotomy

1875–80; < Greek epísio ( n ) pubic region + -tomy

Example Sentences

I remember looking at my episiotomy scar and it looked tiny.

From The Guardian • Feb. 9, 2019

One was that she wanted to avoid an episiotomy, according to the suit.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 26, 2018

If a labouring woman comes in without her jerry cans and needs an episiotomy, for instance, the midwives must simply wipe down the instruments with bleach, instead of sterilising before cutting.

From The Guardian • Oct. 2, 2017

Until recent decades, it was routine procedure for an obstetrician to numb the perineum and perform an episiotomy, an incision in the posterior vaginal wall and perineum.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Both an episiotomy and a perineal tear need to be sutured shortly after birth to ensure optimal healing.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013