USE OF EPISIOTOMY DURING LABOR: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: The present work aims to: seek scientific evidence about the use of episiotomy during labor. Methodology: The work was an integrative review of the literature, which were searched in the databases: SciElo, PubMed, NCBI and the CAPS Journals platform. In these, the following descriptors were used: obstetric violence, episiotomy and obstetric violence; childbirth and episiotomy. Results: all works corroborate that episiotomy is an act of obstetric violence, and most of the works present a number of accomplishments above what is predicted by the WHO, except for the one that analyzed the Rede Cegonha. In addition to being considered a violent act, episiotomy also contributes to greater post-portal discomfort than when compared to a spontaneous laceration, as the cuts are usually above first-degree lacerations. Conclusion: With this, just empowering women is not a factor that will reduce violence, but insert professionals and specialized nursing within maternity hospitals. It is valid to emphasize the importance of using other methods, such as warm compresses on the perineum, which aim to reduce lacerations or their damage. However, episiotomy is an act of obstetric violence and is performed without specific and judicious indication.