Prevalence of Episiotomy Practice and Associated Factors in Brazil: A Systematic Review.
BirthMay 4, 2026 (epub)
Ana Carolina Dos Santos Rodrigues, Maria Luziene de Sousa Gomes, Roger Rodrigues da Silva et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined the prevalence of episiotomy in Brazil, analyzing 65 studies. The prevalence varied widely from 0.5% to 94%, with only 24.6% of studies reporting rates near the recommended benchmark of 10%. The review highlights significant factors associated with episiotomy practice.
Key findings
- Episiotomy prevalence in Brazil ranged from 0.5% to 94%.
- Only 24.6% of studies reported episiotomy rates close to the recommended benchmark of 10%.
- Factors associated with episiotomy included primiparity, higher education, and delivery in private healthcare settings.
Why it matters
Understanding the prevalence and factors influencing episiotomy can help clinicians identify areas for improvement in obstetric care, ensuring practices align with evidence-based guidelines to enhance maternal outcomes.