What it means
It is often done in the first days after birth for religious, cultural or health reasons, and the choice belongs to the parents. Benefits and risks are discussed with them before consent. The main risks are bleeding and infection.
For the nurse
Check the site for bleeding often in the first hours and make sure the baby passes urine. Teach parents to keep the area clean, apply petroleum jelly if advised and report bleeding, swelling or no wet diapers.
At a glance
| Spanish | circuncisión |
|---|---|
| Also written | circumcisions, circumcised |
Related terms
informed consent
A person's agreement to a treatment or procedure, given freely after the risks, benefits and other choices have been explained to them.