Episiotomy in normal deliveries at the University Hospital "La Ribera".

Aim: Describe the incidence of episiotomy in normal vaginal delivery and analyze risk factors that affect the performance of the practice by midwife.Material and Methods: Observational, descriptive, cross sectional, retrospective study from January 1 to December 31, 2011 at the University Hospital “La Ribera”. The variables are episiotomy, perineal tears, parity and technique, provided by the hospital itself.Results: The percentage of episiotomy in normal vaginal deliveries performed at the University Hospital "La Ribera" was 33.5% (2011). Statistically significant differences were found for variables perineal injury and mediolateral technique, increased the number of intact perineal and spontaneous tears for women without episiotomy. Among women who underwent episiotomy, there is a higher proportion than those who used a medial to lateral technique. Conclusions: The University Hospital "La Ribera" has a selective episiotomy policy in normal vaginals deliveries that favors humanized birth and helps to preserve the perineum intact.