Final answer:
An episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the posterior vaginal wall and perineum during the second stage of childbirth, known as the expulsion stage, to facilitate vaginal birth. It was once routine but now natural tearing is often allowed; both require suturing post-birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
A surgical procedure involving a cut in the female perineum to facilitate vaginal birth is called an episiotomy. This incision is made in the posterior vaginal wall and perineum during the expulsion stage of childbirth, which is the second stage where the mother actively bears down with contractions to deliver the baby. Historically, an episiotomy was routinely performed to avoid tearing and to supposedly provide a cleaner, more controlled surgical incision that was easier to suture and believed to heal better than a tear.
However, current medical practice often allows the perineum to stretch and tear naturally if necessary, as tears can heal more quickly and with less pain compared to a surgical incision, and are less likely to harm the muscles around the vagina and rectum. After the birth, whether there is a natural tear or an episiotomy, the affected area will be sutured for optimal healing. It is important to note that another mode of delivery, which is a major abdominal surgery known as a Caesarian section, may be chosen if vaginal delivery is deemed unsafe for the mother or the baby.