What is the "Cut" a Doctor May Make During Birthing?

QUESTION: With the arrival day for my first baby fast approaching, it seems
that all the conversations with my girl friends now turn to the "cut" the
doctor may make during the birthing. Can you tell me the scientific name for
it, and explain its use? Does it cause a lot of pain?
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ANSWER: When a delivery can be helped by providing a bit more room for the
baby's head to pass, a physician may elect to perform an "episiotomy". The
term is from a Greek word "epision" describing the region of the pubes and it
is through this area that an incision is made. There are several advantages
to the procedure, as it can allow a quicker and easier birth and reduce
pressure on the baby's head. Since the forces pushing the baby through the
birth canal are powerful enough to both stretch and tear vaginal tissues,
making a clean surgical cut at the appropriate moment avoids the complications
that torn tissue can provoke. With all else that is going on at that moment,
many women are unaware that the "cut" has been made. After the birth the
incision is repaired as with any other surgical incision and permitted to
heal. While the swelling and pain passes in a few days to a week, the area
may remain tender for a month or so. Total healing is usually completed in
about six weeks. The mainstay of care is hygiene, keeping the area clean and
free from any possible contaminating elements that cause irritation or
infection. Your own physician will guide you through this period as well as
counseling you about resuming normal activities and relations.