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Do You Need a Referral for an Episiotomy?

Equipment and setting used in Episiotomy
Illustration: Equipment and setting used in Episiotomy

Short answer

You do not usually arrange an episiotomy through a separate referral; the obstetric team discusses it if it becomes clinically relevant during birth.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Usual setting
During labour, within maternity care
Main specialist
Obstetrician or trained birth clinician

The short answer

You do not usually arrange an episiotomy through a separate referral; the obstetric team discusses it if it becomes clinically relevant during birth. A midwife or obstetrician can explain the situation, seek your consent when circumstances allow, and perform or supervise the incision. Your hospital can describe its birth-planning process before labour.

What an episiotomy involves

An episiotomy is a surgical cut in the perineum, the tissue between the vaginal opening and anus, to widen the opening during birth. It is not arranged like a routine outpatient treatment. The decision depends on what is happening in labour, the baby’s condition, the need for an assisted birth, and the clinician’s assessment.

Antenatal discussion can cover possible benefits, healing, pain relief, stitches, and alternatives. An episiotomy is not automatically needed because labour is prolonged or because a particular birth plan was chosen.

Plan the conversation

Tell your midwife or obstetrician what you understand about episiotomy and whether you have preferences about consent and pain relief. Ask how urgent decisions are handled, who would speak with you, and what support is available after birth. Record any previous perineal injury or surgery in your maternity history.

If an episiotomy is discussed in labour, ask what problem it is intended to address and whether there is time to consider alternatives. In an emergency, the team may need to act quickly while explaining as much as the situation permits.

When to seek care after birth

Contact your maternity service if pain, swelling, wound separation, unpleasant-smelling discharge, or bleeding is worsening rather than settling. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, fainting, fever with feeling very unwell, severe pain, or difficulty controlling urine or stool. These symptoms need prompt assessment of the wound and your recovery.

Questions for your doctor

Ask: In what situations might you recommend an episiotomy? How will you seek my consent? What pain relief is available? How are tears and episiotomies repaired? Which symptoms after birth should prompt a same-day call?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can I request an episiotomy in advance?

You can discuss your preferences, but the decision is made during birth after assessing the clinical circumstances.

Is an episiotomy the same as a natural tear?

No. An episiotomy is a planned surgical incision, while a tear occurs naturally as tissue stretches during birth.

Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.