Ch. 28 Pregnancy and Human Development
Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott12th EditionMarieb Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138242732
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation25
- Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive24
- Ch. 3 Cells: The Living Units24
- Ch. 4 Tissue: The Living Fabric19
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System12
- Ch. 6 Bones and Skeletal Tissues19
- Ch. 7 The Skeleton14
- Ch. 8 Joints7
- Ch. 9 Muscles and Muscle Tissue26
- Ch. 10 The Muscular System25
- Ch. 11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue23
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System25
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity30
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System16
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses26
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System26
- Ch. 17 Blood27
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System: The Heart25
- Ch. 19 The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels27
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs and Tissues16
- Ch. 21 The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body Defenses27
- Ch. 22 The Respiratory System21
- Ch. 23 The Digestive System31
- Ch. 24 Nutrition, Metabolism, and Energy Balance26
- Ch. 25 The Urinary System26
- Ch. 26 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance24
- Ch. 27 The Reproductive System24
- Ch. 28 Pregnancy and Human Development25
- Ch. 29 Heredity11
Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott12th EditionMarieb Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138242732Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 28, Problem 13
During Mrs. Li’s labor, the obstetrician decided that it was necessary to perform an episiotomy. What is an episiotomy, and why is it done?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that an episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the perineum, which is the area between the vaginal opening and the anus.
Recognize that the purpose of an episiotomy is to enlarge the vaginal opening to facilitate childbirth, especially when there is a risk of tearing or when the baby needs to be delivered quickly.
Know that episiotomies are performed to prevent uncontrolled or irregular tearing of the perineal tissues, which can be more difficult to repair and may lead to complications.
Be aware that the decision to perform an episiotomy depends on factors such as fetal distress, prolonged labor, or the use of instruments like forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery.
Summarize that an episiotomy is a controlled surgical cut intended to protect both the mother and baby during delivery by allowing a safer and more efficient passage of the baby through the birth canal.
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Episiotomy Definition
An episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the perineum, the area between the vaginal opening and the anus, during childbirth. This procedure is intended to enlarge the vaginal opening to facilitate delivery.
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Purpose of Episiotomy
Episiotomies are performed to prevent severe tearing of the perineal tissues, reduce labor complications, and expedite delivery when the baby is in distress or labor is prolonged.
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Risks and Benefits of Episiotomy
While episiotomies can help in certain situations, they carry risks such as pain, infection, and longer healing time. The decision to perform one balances these risks against potential benefits for mother and baby.
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Related Practice