SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF EPISIOTOMY

This article explores the meaning of episiotomy. A review of the liter ature examines the definition, procedure, perceptions and outcomes of episiotomy to create a better understanding for those using or experie ncing its practice. The article highlights that episiotomy means more than just a cut in the perineum. Episiotomy means different things to different individuals and groups, the meaning being socially construct ed depending on social context, professional background and personal e xperience. It is concluded that midwives need to understand what an ep isiotomy means to women, and that through research midwives need to de velop their own body of knowledge of childbirth from the viewpoints of those who are actually experiencing it.