JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, cilt.43, ss.384-394, 2003 (SCI İndekslerine Giren Dergi)
Background. Historically, episiotomy has been carried out during labour to facilitate delivery, shorten the duration of the second stage and prevent spontaneous lacerations. However, recent studies of episiotomy have recommended that it be carried out only when necessary. In Turkey, midwives are authorized to perform episiotomy.