The term "episiotomy" refers to which procedure?

The term "episiotomy" specifically refers to an incision made in the perineum, which is the area of tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus. This procedure is typically performed during childbirth to facilitate delivery by enlarging the vaginal opening, reducing the likelihood of uncontrolled tearing, and potentially aiding in a faster delivery. It is often used in circumstances where the fetus is in distress or if there is a risk of significant tearing due to a large baby or a prolonged labor.

Understanding the context of an episiotomy can help recognize its implications for both maternal and fetal health during delivery. The other options describe different medical procedures that are not related to this context. An incision made in the abdomen pertains to surgical procedures like a cesarean section, removal of the ovaries relates to oophorectomy, and repairing a vaginal tear describes a different intervention that may occur post-delivery but does not involve making an incision proactively like an episiotomy does.