All India Congress of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 04–08 Jan 2009 · Birla Auditorium, Jaipur

Objective: To assess the degree of perineal trauma, pain and blood loss in liberal versus restrictive episiotomy in nulliparous women. Methodology : Nulliparous women (n= 228) with low risk pregnancy, anticipating normal vaginal delivery were assigned randomly to either selective episiotomy 'try to avoid an episiotomy' (study group, n=119) or liberal episiotomy “avoid a tear” (control group, n=109).Assessment was done for extent of perineal trauma, amount of blood loss, perineal pain and healing. Results : Mean maternal age, weight and gestational age was 22.9 years, 50.7 kg and 39.5 weeks respectively, comparable in both groups.