During Childbirth, the emerging fetus stretches the perineal region.
To prevent undue stretching and even tearing of this region, a physician sometimes performs an episiotomy, a cut made with surgical scissors.
This cut enlarges the vaginal opening to make room for the fetus to pass. In effect, a controlled cut is substituted for a jagged, uncontrolled tear.
The incision is closed in layers with a continuous suture that is reabsorb by the body within a few weeks, so that stitches do not have to be removed.