Episiotomy for vaginal birth
RHL practical aspects by Liljestrand J
FIRST CONTACT (PRIMARY CARE LEVEL) AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL (SECONDARY CARE) LEVEL
Episiotomy should only be used on strict, well-defined indications in any health care setting where births are assisted. Routine registration in the delivery room register of performed episiotomies facilitates supervision or audit. Staff should be made aware of the risks of overuse of invasive interventions such as routine episiotomy.
AT HOME OR IN THE COMMUNITY
Not applicable.
This document should be cited as: Liljestrand J. Episiotomy for vaginal birth: RHL practical aspects (last revised: 20 October 2003). The WHO Reproductive Health Library; Geneva: World Health Organization.