Word parts
What it means
An incision made by the birth attendant just before the baby's head is born. It is no longer done routinely, but may be used when the baby needs to be born quickly or forceps or a vacuum are used. A midline cut goes straight toward the anus; a mediolateral cut angles to one side. It is repaired with stitches after the birth.
For the nurse
Check the site with REEDA (Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation). Offer ice packs in the first 24 hours, then sitz baths, and teach using a peri bottle and wiping front to back.
Remember it
REEDA: Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation.
At a glance
| Spanish | episiotomía |
|---|---|
| Also written | episiotomies |
Related terms
postpartum
The time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.
-otomy
A word ending that means cutting into, or a surgical incision.
perineum
The area of skin and muscle between the genitals and the anus.
lochia
The vaginal discharge of blood, mucus and tissue from the uterus after childbirth.
episi/o
A word root that means the vulva, the outer female genital area.