Outcomes Following Pre-marking of Episiotomy Location

To compare short- and long-term outcomes of women following episiotomy during the second stage of labor, following marking of episiotomy location during the first stage of labor with those of women who underwent episiotomy without marking.

Purpose: To compare short- and long-term outcomes of women following episiotomy during the second stage of labor, following marking of episiotomy location during the first stage of labor with those of women who underwent episiotomy without marking. Hypothesis: Women following episiotomy following pre-marking of the location will suffer from fewer short- and long-term complications compared to those without pre-marked episiotomy location. Study type: prospective randomized-controlled trial

A template marking the pre-determined correct location of episiotomy will be used to mark to women in the interventional group

Perineal tears involving the anal sphincter in addition to the episiotomy, as documented in hospital records

Early (<24 hours) or later (24 hours to 6 weeks) hemorrhage following delivery requiring physician intervention as documented in medical records

any documented infection of the episiotomy site treated in ambulatory or hospital setting, as recorded in medical records

Any additional surgical intervention required relating to the episiotomy, as recorded in medical records

Any symptoms including perineal pain, dyspareunia, urine incontinence or fecal incontinence as reported by women using a numerical scale or dichotomic scale where appropriate

Any additional surgical procedures required for correction of episiotomy related symptoms as recorded in medical records

Inclusion Criteria: women 18 years of age or older who present in active labour to our center and consent to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: women under 18 years of age or those who do not or are unable to provide informed consent to participate in the study