How can i prevent an episiotomy?

Communication!: The idea that automatic episiotomy is the standard of care stopped being the norm about 2 years ago and many physicians have adopted this belief. Make sure your doctor is on the same thought process as you! another idea is "perineal massage", whereby your partner gently massages/stretches the bottom of the vaginal opening with a gel (k-y jelly) for the last 8 weeks in preparation for delivery.

U may or may not be: Able to discuss with your delivering doc or midwife, the nurses can message and help stretch your perineum when u are pushing but if u need one due to the size of baby in relation to your pelvis and one is not cut then u could tear up into the urethra, labia or clitoris or down or the sidewalls of vagina could be torn, if u need 1, better to cut than rip !