Study Links Episiotomy to Increased Bleeding in Anemic Mothers

A study has established a connection between routine episiotomy and a heightened risk of postpartum hemorrhage in anemic mothers. The research, which analyzed data from 15,000 women across Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Zambia, found that women with moderate to severe anemia who underwent episiotomy were almost twice as likely to experience postpartum hemorrhage compared to those who did not.

Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal death globally, particularly in low-resource settings where anemia is prevalent. The study, conducted between 2019 and 2023, revealed that nearly 30% of women receiving episiotomy experienced this complication.

Despite the World Health Organization's guidance against routine episiotomy, the procedure remains common, with rates of 81% in first-time mothers in Pakistan and 63% in Nigeria. The findings suggest that unnecessary episiotomies should be reduced to improve maternal health outcomes, especially for women with anemia, who are already at a higher risk of complications during childbirth.