Episiotomy
An episiotomy is an incision made in the perineum (the tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus) and vagina to enlarge the vaginal opening. For more information, see Clinical commentary.
This indicator examines the frequency of episiotomy for women having their first baby and giving birth vaginally, either with or without the assistance of instruments.
Key findings
- In 2023, just over 1 in 5 women (22%) giving birth for the first time who had a non-instrumental vaginal birth received an episiotomy, an increase from 16% in 2004.
- In 2023, around 4 in 5 women (81%) giving birth for the first time who had an instrumental vaginal birth received an episiotomy, an increase from 61% in 2004.
The interactive data visualisation (Figure 10) presents data on episiotomy for women having their first baby and giving birth vaginally, either with or without the assistance of instruments. Use the drop-down menus to view data by selected characteristics and the latest year button to explore data for 2023.
Figure 10: Episiotomy
This data visualisation presents data on episiotomies. Interactive charts show proportions for the most recent data and over time, for selected demographic and birth characteristics.
Clinical commentary
Episiotomy can shorten the second stage of labour, but the consequences of the trauma to the perineum and, potentially to the anus and rectum, need to be balanced against the need for episiotomy. The possible use of episiotomy during a vaginal birth must be discussed prospectively with the woman (ACSQHC 2021b).
Evidence suggests that selective use of episiotomy is better practice than routine use of episiotomy and may reduce the level of pain, urinary incontinence, painful sex or severe perineal trauma (Jiang et al. 2017).
Indicator specifications and data
Excel source data tables are available from Data.
For more information, refer to Data specifications and Methods.
ACSQHC (2021b) Third and fourth degree perineal tears clinical care standard (2021), ACSQHC, Australian Government, accessed 17 August 2022.
Jiang H, Qian X, Carroli G and Garner P (2017) ‘Selected versus routine use of episiotomy for vaginal birth’, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2:CD000081, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000081.pub3.