Trends and determinants of the use of episiotomy in a prospective population-based registry from central India.

BACKGROUND: Findings from research and recommendations from the World Health Organization favor restrictive use of episiotomy, but whether this guidance is being followed in India, and factors associated with its use, are not known. This study sought to document trends in use of episiotomy over a five-year period (2014-2018); to examine its relationship to maternal, pregnancy, and health-system characteristics; and to investigate its association with other obstetric interventions. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected by the Maternal Newborn Health Registry, a prospective population-based pregnancy registry established in Central India (Nagpur, Eastern Maharashtra). We examined type of birth and use of episiotomy in vaginal deliveries from 2014 to 2018, as well as maternal and birth characteristics, health systems factors, and concurrent obstetric interventions associations with its use with multivariable Poisson regression models. RESULTS: During the five-year interval, the rate of episiotomy in vaginal birth rose from 13 to 31% despite a decline in assisted vaginal birth. Associations with episiotomy were found for the following factors: prior birth, multiple gestations, seven or more years of maternal education, higher gestational age, higher birthweight, delivery by an obstetrician (as compared to midwife or general physician), and birth in hospital (as compared to clinic or health center). After adjusting for these factors, year over year rise in episiotomy was significant with an adjusted incidence rate ratio (AIRR) of 1.10 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-1.12; p = 0.002]. We found an association between episiotomy and several other obstetric interventions, with the strongest relationship for maternal treatment with antibiotics (AIRR 4.23, 95% CI 3.12-5.73; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Episiotomy in this population-based sample from central India steadily rose from 2014 to 2018. This increase over time was observed even after adjusting for patient characteristics, obstetric risk factors, and health system features, such as specialty of the birthing provider. Our findings have important implications for maternal-child health and respectful maternity care given that most women prefer to avoid episiotomy; they also highlight a potential target for antibiotic stewardship as part of global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under reference number NCT01073475.

Episiotomy is a surgical procedure to widen the vaginal opening for childbirth. It was once commonly used worldwide. However, because the procedure can cause pain to mothers and place them at risk for infections and serious tears to the vagina­especially when the cut is directly downward­research suggests it should be used sparingly. As such, it is now less often practiced in high-income countries, but whether the same is true in India is not known. To answer this question, we used a large population-based pregnancy registry, the Maternal Newborn Health Registry, from Central India (Nagpur) to assess the frequency of episiotomy use between 2014 and 2018 and if there were certain maternal characteristics, features of the health care system, and other pregnancy interventions that were related with its use. Over this five-year period, the use of episiotomy during vaginal birth rose more than two-fold. It was more often used on women who had never delivered a baby before, were further along in pregnancy, had higher levels of education, had heavier babies, or were carrying more than one baby. Obstetricians were more likely to perform episiotomy than midwives or general physicians and it was more likely to be performed in hospitals than in clinics or primary health centers. This rise during the five-year interval was significant even when accounting for these patient and provider characteristics, suggesting a shift in medical practice. Because this was an observational study more research is needed to determine if the associations we found are causal.

Birth-Related Perineal Trauma in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Introduction Birth-related perineal trauma (BPT) is a common consequence of vaginal births. When poorly managed, BPT can result in increased morbidity and mortality due to infections, haemorrhage, and incontinence. This review aims to collect data on rates of BPT in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods The following databases were searched: Medline, Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACs), and the World Health Organization (WHO) regional databases, from 2004 to 2016. Cross-sectional data on the proportion of vaginal births that resulted in episiotomy, second degree tears or obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI) were extracted from studies carried out in LMICs by two independent reviewers. Estimates were meta-analysed using a random effects model; results were presented by type of BPT, parity, and mode of birth. Results Of the 1182 citations reviewed, 74 studies providing data on 334,054 births in 41 countries were included. Five studies reported outcomes of births in the community. In LMICs, the overall rates of BPT were 46% (95% CI 36-55%), 24% (95% CI 17-32%), and 1.4% (95% CI 1.2-1.7%) for episiotomies, second degree tears, and OASI, respectively. Studies were highly heterogeneous with respect to study design and population. The overall reporting quality was inadequate. Discussion Compared to high-income settings, episiotomy rates are high in LMIC medical facilities. There is an urgent need to improve reporting of BPT in LMICs particularly with regards to births taking in community settings.

Factors related to episiotomy practice: an evidence-based medicine systematic review.

Episiotomy practice is influenced by many factors studied in the scientific literature. Evidence-based medicine has isolated many factors that are linked to episiotomy practice, thus creating a need to group all these factors to create a relevant and useful database for scientific research. Based on the PRISMA methodology, the authors conducted a systematic literature review with the aim of covering this very need. Using 12 French and English combinations of relevant keywords, 15 databases containing publications published between 2008 and 2018 were evaluated. A total of 63 articles were identified, grouped and categorised into four main themes in the results section: (1) Individual and clinical factors related to the mother, (2) individual and clinical factors related to the child, (3) technical factors, and (4) organisation of health care and professional factors (institutional, organisational, personal and professional factors). These factors are then presented in terms of their impact on the practice of episiotomy. Then the future implications of this study on scientific research and clinical practice are discussed.

How did episiotomy rates change from 2007 to 2014? Population-based study in France.

BACKGROUND: Since the 2000s, selective episiotomy has been systematically recommended worldwide. In France, the recommended episiotomy rate in vaginal deliveries is less than 30%. The aims of this study were to describe the evolution of episiotomy rates between 2007 and 2014, especially for vaginal deliveries without instrumental assistance and to assess individual characteristics and birth environment factors associated with episiotomy. METHODS: This population-based study included all hospital discharge abstracts for all deliveries in France from 2007 to 2014. The use of episiotomy in vaginal deliveries was identified by one code in the French Common Classification of Medical Procedures. The episiotomy rate per department and its evolution is described from 2007 to 2014. A mixed model was used to assess associations with episiotomy for non-operative vaginal deliveries and the risk factors related to the women's characteristics and the birth environment. RESULTS: There were approximately 540,000 non-operative vaginal deliveries per year, in the study period. The national episiotomy rate for vaginal deliveries overall significantly decreased from 26.7% in 2007 to 19.9% in 2014. For non-operative deliveries, this rate fell from 21.1% to 14.1%. For the latter, the use of episiotomy was significantly associated with breech vaginal delivery (aOR = 1.27 [1.23-1.30]), epidural analgesia (aOR = 1.45 [1.43-1.47]), non-reassuring fetal heart rate (aOR = 1.47 [1.47-1.49]), and giving birth for the first time (aOR = 3.85 [3.84-4.00]). CONCLUSIONS: The episiotomy rate decreased throughout France, for vaginal deliveries overall and for non-operative vaginal deliveries. This decrease is probably due to proactive changes in practices to restrict the number of episiotomies, which should be performed only if beneficial to the mother and the infant.

Risk and protective factors for obstetric anal sphincter injuries: A retrospective nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: In view of the reported increase in obstetric anal sphincter injuries, the objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of such injuries over time and the associated risk and protective factors. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study from a national database of 168 137 primiparous women with term, singleton, cephalic, vaginal delivery between 2008 and 2014. The main outcome measure was obstetric anal sphincter injury. A multivariate regression model was used to identify risk and protective factors. RESULTS: Age >19 years, birthweight >4000 g, and operative vaginal delivery were independent risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injuries. Mediolateral episiotomy increased the risk for obstetric anal sphincter injuries in spontaneous vaginal birth (number needed to harm 333), whereas it was protective in vacuum delivery (number needed to treat 50). From 2008 to 2014, there was an increase in the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (2.1% vs 3.1%, P < .01), vacuum deliveries (12.1% vs 12.8%, P < .01), and cesarean delivery after labor (17.1% vs 19.4%, P < .01), while forceps deliveries (0.4% vs 0.1%, P < .01) and episiotomy rate decreased (35.9% vs 26.4%, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Episiotomy may be a risk or protective factor depending on the type of episiotomy and the clinical setting in which it is used. Our study supports a restrictive use of mediolateral episiotomy in spontaneous vaginal deliveries. In vacuum deliveries mediolateral episiotomy may help prevent obstetric anal sphincter injuries.

Statistical trends of episiotomy around the world: Comparative systematic review of changing practices.

The authors' purpose for this article is to identify, review and interpret all publications about the episiotomy rates worldwide. Based on the criteria from the PRISMA guidelines, twenty databases were scrutinized. All studies which include national statistics related to episiotomy were selected, as well as studies presenting estimated data. Sixty-one papers were selected with publication dates between 1995 and 2016. A static and dynamic analysis of all the results was carried out. The assumption for the decline in the number of episiotomies is discussed and confirmed, recalling that nowadays high rates of episiotomy remain in less industrialized countries and East Asia. Finally, our analysis aims to investigate the potential determinants which influence apparent statistical disparities.

Can major systematic reviews influence practice patterns? A case study of episiotomy trends.

PURPOSE: Episiotomy is one of the most commonly performed procedures among women of childbearing age in the United States. In 2005, a major systematic review conducted by Hartmann and colleagues recommended against routine use of episiotomy and was widely covered in the media. We assessed the impact of the Hartman et al. study on episiotomy trend. METHODS: Based on 100% hospital discharge data from eight states in 2003-2008, we used interrupted time series regression models to estimate the impact of the Hartman et al. review on episiotomy rates. We used mixed-effects regression models to assess whether interhospital variation was reduced over time. RESULTS: After controlling for underlying trend, episiotomy rates dropped by 1.4 percentage points after Hartman et al. publication (p < 0.01 for spontaneous delivery; p < 0.1 for operative delivery). The publication has smaller effect on government hospitals as compared to private hospitals. Mixed effects models estimated negative correlation between cross-time and cross-hospital variations in episiotomy rates, indicating reduced cross-hospital variation over time. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that there has been a gradual decline in episiotomy rates over the period 2003-2008, and that synthesis of evidence showing harms from routine episiotomy had limited impact on practice patterns in the case of episiotomy. The experience of episiotomy illustrates the challenge of using comparative effectiveness and evidenced-based medicine to reduce use of unnecessary procedures.

Lower reproductive tract fistula repairs in inpatient US women, 1979-2006.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective of the study was to characterize trends in lower reproductive tract fistula (LRTF) repair in inpatient US women from 1979 to 2006. METHODS: Retrospective data was obtained from the National Hospital Discharge Survey regarding LRTF diagnoses, demographics, comorbidities, and fistula repair procedures, using ICD-9-CM diagnostic and procedure codes. Age-adjusted rates (AARs) were calculated using 1990 census data. Trends in LRTF surgical repair were evaluated using regression analysis. RESULTS: Between 1979 and 2006, the AAR of LRTF repair declined from 7.8 to 4.8 per 100,000 women (b = -2.97, p < 0.001). The most common surgical fistula repairs were rectovaginal, vesicovaginal, and colovaginal. The AARs of colovaginal and vesicovaginal fistula repair remained stable, while the AAR of rectovaginal fistula repair declined. CONCLUSIONS: The AAR of inpatient LRTF repair declined between 1979 and 2006, perhaps reflecting a concurrent decrease in obstetric trauma, in the context of decreasing episiotomy and operative vaginal delivery and increasing cesarean section rates.

Episiotomy: the final cut?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether episiotomy prevents 3rd or 4th degree perineal tears in critical conditions such as shoulder dystocia, instrumental deliveries (vacuum or forceps), persistent occiput-posterior position, fetal macrosomia (>4,000 g), and non-reassuring fetal heart rate (NRFHR) patterns. METHODS: A retrospective study comparing 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears during vaginal deliveries with or without episiotomy, in selected critical conditions was performed. Multiple gestations, preterm deliveries (<37 weeks' gestation) and cesarean deliveries were excluded from the analysis. Stratified analysis (using the Mantel-Haenszel technique) was used to obtain the weighted odds ratio (OR), while controlling for these variables. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 168,077 singleton vaginal deliveries. Of those, 188 (0.1%) had 3rd or 4th degree perineal tears. Vaginal deliveries with episiotomy had statistically significant higher rates of 3rd or 4th degree perineal tears than those without episiotomy (0.2 vs. 0.1%; P<0.001). The association between episiotomy and severe perineal tears remained significant even in the critical conditions. Stratified analysis revealed that the adjusted ORs for 3rd or 4th degree perineal tears in these critical conditions (Macrosomia OR=2.3; instrumental deliveries OR=1.8; NRFHR patterns OR=2.1; occipito-posterior position OR=2.3; and shoulder dystocia OR=2.3) were similar to the crude OR (OR=2.3). CONCLUSIONS: Mediolateral episiotomy is an independent risk factor for 3rd or 4th degree perineal tears, even in critical conditions such as shoulder dystocia, instrumental deliveries, occiput-posterior position, fetal macrosomia, and NRFHR. Prophylactic use of episiotomy in these conditions does not seem beneficial if performed to prevent 3rd or 4th degree perineal tears.

Trends and determinants of episiotomy at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (Unth), Enugu, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Episiotomy is the most commonly performed obstetric procedure. The indications and efficacy are poorly established and its practice has remained controversial. OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate and the determinants of episiotomy in the parturients at the UNTH, Enugu. METHODS: A five year retrospective review of episiotomy at UNTH Enugu between 1st January, 2000 and 31st December, 2004. RESULTS: Out of 3032 vaginal deliveries, 1201 women had episiotomy during vaginal delivery, giving a rate of 39.6%. The rate fluctuated between 38.7% in 2000 to 32.7% in 2004. The risk of receiving episiotomy is significantly higher among primigravidae than multigravidae [OR = 10.92, (95% CI = 8.98,13.28)]. Similarly, macrosomia (birth weight > 4 kg) significantly increases the risk of episiotomy [OR = 0.096, (95% CI = 0.06, 0.15)]. Women who had instrumental or destructive vaginal delivery are significantly more likely to receive episiotomy than those who had spontaneous vaginal delivery [OR = 0.13 (95% CI = 0.07, 0.26)]. The postpartum blood loss is significantly higher among women that received episiotomy than those who did not [t = 42.161, P > 0.0001]. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of episiotomy in UNTH, Enugu is high. Primigravidity, macrosomia and instrumental deliveries are factors associated with increased risk of episiotomy. Knowledge of these risk factors will guide in predicting episiotomy among paturients in labour ward.

Episiotomy practices in France: epidemiology and risk factors in non-operative vaginal deliveries.

Episiotomy use has decreased due to the lack of evidence on its protective effects from maternal obstetric anal sphincter injuries. Indications for episiotomy vary considerably and there are a great variety of factors associated with its use. The aim of this article is to describe the episiotomy rate in France between 2013 and 2017 and the factors associated with its use in non-operative vaginal deliveries. In this retrospective population-based cohort study, we included vaginal deliveries performed in French hospitals (N = 584) and for which parity was coded. The variable of interest was the rate of episiotomy, particularly for non-operative vaginal deliveries. Trends in the episiotomy rates were studied using the Cochran-Armitage test. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with episiotomy according to maternal age and parity. Between 2013 and 2017, French episiotomy rates fell from 21.6 to 14.3% for all vaginal deliveries (p < 0.01), and from 15.5 to 9.3% (p < 0.01) for all non-operative vaginal deliveries. Among non-operative vaginal deliveries, epidural analgesia, non-reassuring fetal heart rate, meconium in the amniotic fluid, shoulder dystocia, and newborn weight (≥ 4,000 g) were risk factors for episiotomy, both for nulliparous and multiparous women. On the contrary, prematurity reduced the risk of its use. For nulliparous women, breech presentation was also a risk factor for episiotomy, and for multiparous women, scarred uterus and multiple pregnancies were risk factors. In France, despite a reduction in episiotomy use over the last few years, the factors associated with episiotomy have not changed and are similar to the literature. This suggests that the decrease in episiotomies in France is an overall tendency which is probably related to improved care strategies that have been relayed by hospital teams and perinatal networks.

A multicenter cross-sectional study of episiotomy practice in Romania.

RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to focus attention on episiotomy practice in Romanian maternity units in order to identify factors associated with the very high rate of the procedure in Romania and to consider strategies to reduce it. METHODS: In this clustered cross-sectional study, a total of 11 863 patients were recorded in eight Romanian maternity units to assess the prevalence of episiotomy. A random effects Poisson model was used to estimate the prevalence rate in univariate and multivariate models. RESULTS: Among the 11 863 patients included for analysis, 8475 (71.4%) had an episiotomy. The prevalence of episiotomy was 92.7% for the first vaginal birth, 73.2% for the second vaginal birth, and 35% for the third vaginal birth. The overall rate of suturing was higher than the episiotomy rate for all patients (total rate 79.2%). The likelihood of exiting the maternity ward with an intact perineum after the first vaginal birth was less than 5% at the first vaginal birth. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, routine episiotomy is the norm in Romanian maternity units, with episiotomy rates among the highest in Europe. Episiotomy use is mainly driven by local professional norms, experiences, previous training, and practitioners' decisions rather than evidence, guidelines, or variations in patient needs at the time of vaginal birth.

Association Between Senior Obstetrician Supervision of Resident Deliveries and Mode of Delivery.

OBJECTIVE: In December 2012, the Mount Sinai Hospital implemented a program to have senior obstetricians (more than 20 years of experience) supervise residents on labor and delivery during the daytime. The objective of this study was to estimate the association of resident supervision by senior obstetricians with mode of delivery. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all resident deliveries at Mount Sinai from July 2011 to June 2015. We included all patients with live, term, singleton, vertex fetuses. We compared delivery outcomes between patients delivered before December 2012 and patients delivered December 2012 and later using logistic regression analysis to control for age, body mass index, parity, induction, and prior cesarean delivery. During the study period there were no other specific departmental initiatives to increase forceps deliveries aside from having six obstetricians with significant experience in operative deliveries supervise and teach residents on labor and delivery. RESULTS: There were 5,201 live, term, singleton, vertex deliveries under the care of residents, 1,919 (36.9%) before December 2012 and 3,282 (63.1%) December 2012 or later. The rate of forceps deliveries significantly increased from 0.6% to 2.6% (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 8.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1-23.1), and the rate of cesarean deliveries significantly decreased from 27.3% to 24.5% (adjusted OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.55-0.83). There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of third- or fourth-degree lacerations or 5-minute Apgar scores less than 7. Among nulliparous women, the forceps rate increased from 1.0% to 3.4% (adjusted OR 4.87, 95% CI 1.74-13.63) and the cesarean delivery rate decreased from 25.6% to 22.7% (adjusted OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.53-0.89). The increase in forceps deliveries and the decrease in cesarean deliveries were seen only in daytime hours (7 AM to 7 PM), that is, the shift that was covered by senior obstetricians. CONCLUSION: Having senior obstetricians supervise resident deliveries is significantly associated with an increased rate of forceps deliveries and a decreased rate of cesarean deliveries.

[What are the epidemiologic data in regard to episiotomy?]. / Quelles sont les données épidémiologiques concernant l'épisiotomie?

OBJECTIVES: Description of episiotomy rates and current trends in France. Description of episiotomy variation according to medical situations and inter or intra country in obstetrical variation practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the AUDIPOG Perinatal network. The medical literature review used Pubmed and the Cochrane Library databases. RESULTS: The episiotomy rate has decreased, in France, from 1996-97 to 2002-03. The percentage of episiotomies among nulliparae is 68% and 31% among multiparae. The episiotomy rate increases with maternal age. The risk of perineal traumatism is variable according to women's ethnic background. The risk of episiotomy is linked to obstetrical situations. It remains an international variation of the global episiotomy rate. However, national rates include regional and hospital variations. French data do not find important variations according to hospital administrative status. We found inter professional variations in the literature. CONCLUSION: Episiotomy is a frequent obstetrical intervention in the world and in France. This intervention is linked with variations in obstetrical practice and with other medical factors at the time of delivery. We note a reduction of episiotomy rate in western countries but this reduction is not the same in these countries.

Trends in the rate of shoulder dystocia over two decades.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trend in the rate of shoulder dystocia over twenty-four years and identify the risk factors related to the occurrence of dystocia. METHODS: Data was obtained from Maryland State regarding all vaginal deliveries that occurred during six different time periods at five-year intervals since 1979. Trends in the rate of shoulder dystocia, episiotomy, forceps and vacuum delivery were examined. RESULTS: There were a total of 277 974 vaginal deliveries. The overall rate of shoulder dystocia was 1.29% (n = 3590). Induction of labor (adjusted OR 1.2, 1.1-1.3), presence of diabetes (gestational (OR 1.9, 1.7-2.3) or pre-gestational (OR 3.8, 2.7-5.4)), fetal macrosomia (OR 5.1, 4.1-6.3) use of episiotomy (OR 1.6, 1.5-1.8), forceps (OR 1.3, 1.0-1.8) or vacuum (OR 2.3, 2.0-3.9) at delivery were associated with a higher rate of shoulder dystocia. TREND: There was an increase in the rate of shoulder dystocia from 0.2% in 1979 to 2.11% in 2003. In addition there was a drop in the overall episiotomy rate from 73.67% to 23.94% and increase in the use of vacuum from 0.1% to 8.36%. CONCLUSION: The rate of shoulder dystocia has increased by 10 fold during the study period. The use of episiotomy either at spontaneous delivery or instrumental delivery does not appear to decrease the occurrence of shoulder dystocia.

The role of episiotomy in current obstetric practice.

This review traces the clinical use of episiotomy from the eighteenth century to the present and explains why the procedure has a restricted function in current practice. The types of episiotomy are described, and the controversies surrounding the sequelae associated with the procedure are explored. The modern indications for episiotomy including the procedure's place at operative vaginal delivery are discussed. Although the role of the episiotomy in modern obstetrics may be limited, the procedure is important in situations involving nonreassuring fetal status, shoulder dystocia, and perhaps operative vaginal delivery. The optimal type of episiotomy, if any, at forceps or vacuum delivery is yet to be determined.

A discussion of some of the literature relating to history, repair and consequences of perineal trauma.

OBJECTIVE: to review the key literature on perineal trauma, discussing the historical background, the materials and techniques used, the possible consequences of repair and assess midwives' current and potential contribution to perineal repair. LITERATURE SEARCH: the literature was identified using conventional search techniques: Midwifery Information Resource Service (MIDIRS) and the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Database. Keywords used during the search were: episiotomy, perineal trauma and adverse effects. Associated keywords words were sexuality, pain and psychology. KEY CONCLUSIONS: current practice in the UK is inconsistent with the available evidence, perineal trauma can cause long term problems, and midwives are in an ideal position to take forward evidence-based perineal repair. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: midwives need adequate education and training in perineal repair but are likely to be more effective in performing the repair. Systematic evaluation of the impact of extending midwives' influence in this area is essential.

Episiotomy at the Royal Women's Hospital, Brisbane: a comparison of practices in 1986 and 1992.

OBJECTIVE: to determine whether the incidence of perineal outcomes, including episiotomy, at the Royal Women's Hospital (RWH) Brisbane reflected trends reported in the literature. DESIGN: retrospective record review. SETTING: RWH Brisbane. PARTICIPANTS: 953 women who delivered vaginally at the RWH in 1986 and 1992. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: there was a decline in the episiotomy rate from 65% in 1986 to 36% in 1992. This was accompanied by an increase in the incidence of intact perinea and spontaneous perineal tears. There was no difference in the incidence of spontaneous third degree tears. The decline in the incidence of episiotomy was found when other factors, such as parity, were considered, with the exception of operative vaginal delivery, where no difference in the use of episiotomy was found. There was no significant increase in the number of babies with an Apgar score of < 7 at one minute of age, despite a significant reduction in the use of episiotomy when delivering these babies (55% in 1986 and 19% in 1992; P < 0.001). The second stage was significantly longer in 1992 (P < 0.01). KEY CONCLUSIONS: the findings reflect the decline in the incidence of episiotomy reported in the literature. This decline in rate was accompanied by an increase in the length of second stage and in the incidence of both intact perinea and perineal tears. Lowering the incidence of episiotomy did not result in a rise in the rate of babies with an Apgar score of < 7 at one minute.