Question

The term for surgical incision of the perineum and vagina to facilitate delivery of the fetus and to prevent damage to maternal structure is ________.

1) Episiotomy
2) Cesarean section
3) Forceps delivery
4) Vacuum extraction

Answer 1

Episiotomy is the term for surgical incision of the perineum and vagina to facilitate delivery of the fetus and prevent damage to maternal structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term for surgical incision of the perineum and vagina to facilitate delivery of the fetus and to prevent damage to maternal structure is episiotomy.

Vaginal birth is associated with significant stretching of the vaginal canal, the cervix, and the perineum. 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.

Both an episiotomy and a perineal tear need to be sutured shortly after birth to ensure optimal healing. Although suturing the jagged edges of a perineal tear may be more difficult than suturing an episiotomy, tears heal more quickly, are less painful, and are associated with less damage to the muscles around the vagina and rectum.