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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Episiotomy
Overview & Description
An episiotomy is a cut made to widen the opening of the vagina. It is done toward the end of labor to keep the vaginal tissues from tearing as the baby is born. Sometimes an episiotomy can also help the doctor to deliver the baby quickly if the baby is in distress.
Who is a candidate for the procedure?
Usually, the doctor or midwife attending the birth decides whether to do an episiotomy. An episiotomy may be done when:
How is the procedure performed?
As the crown of the baby's head pushes through the vaginal opening, an anesthetic is injected in the mother's perineum to numb it. The perineum is the skin area between the vagina and anus. A cut 2 to 3 inches long is made there. After the baby is born and the placenta is delivered, the cut is stitched up.