Episiotomy raises tear risk in next delivery

Episiotomy, an incision of the perineum intended to prevent tearing during the delivery of baby, may cause problems when a woman has another baby, a new study shows.

Researchers found that women who undergo episiotomy during their first vaginal delivery have an increased likelihood of suffering a tear, or laceration, in subsequent deliveries.

"In the past, episiotomy was thought to be an innocuous procedure and possibly even protective against severe perineal lacerations," Dr. Marianna Alperin told Reuters Health. "It has since been clearly shown that episiotomy increases the risk of severe obstetrical lacerations in that delivery."

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