| Abstract: | Routine prophylactic performance of episiotomy has not been scientifically evaluated since it was first suggested in 1918. This is a retrospective report of 100 uncomplicated spontaneous vaginal term births in which prophylactic episiotomy was not performed. All of the infants had an Apgar score of 9 or 10 at five minutes, and 97 had an Apgar score of 9 at one minute. Two babies had an Apgar score of 7 at one minute, and one had an Apgar score of 4 at one minute. All were in excellent health at their two-and six-week pediatric examinations. Sixty-seven of the women sustained no lacerations, 16 had first degree lacerations that did not require repair, and six had first degree lacerations that required sutures. Eleven women sustained second degree lacerations. There were no third or fourth degree lacerations. In the absence of maternal or fetal complications routine prophylactic episiotomy appears to be unnecessary. |
