Final answer:
Episiotomies may be done in certain situations to facilitate vaginal birth. These situations include fetal shoulder dystocia, forceps- or vacuum extractor-assisted births, breech presentation, and fetus in an occiput posterior position.
Step-by-step explanation:
Episiotomies are incisions made in the posterior vaginal wall and perineum during childbirth. They may be done in certain situations to facilitate vaginal birth. Examples of situations when a birth attendant may perform an episiotomy include:
- Fetal shoulder dystocia: This is when the baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother's pubic bone during delivery.
- Forceps- or vacuum extractor-assisted births: These are techniques used to assist with the delivery of the baby when there are complications.
- Breech presentation: This is when the baby is positioned with its buttocks or feet down instead of the head-down position.
- Fetus in an occiput posterior position: In this position, the baby's head is facing upwards instead of downwards.