The descriptions for this measure come from source: www.leapfroggroup.org.

"An episiotomy is an incision made in the perineum (the birth canal) during childbirth. Although episiotomies were once routine in childbirth, medical guidelines today recommend an episiotomy only in a narrow set of cases. Episiotomies have been clearly linked with worse perineal tears, loss of bladder or bowel control, and pelvic floor defects."

About this measure

Hospitals fully meet standards with a reported rate of episiotomies of 5 percent or less.

Scores are reported as:

Note: In this case, a higher number is better.