Résumé
Since umbilical artery PH is more reliable in prediction of newborn health situation in comparison with Apgar score alone, this study was performed to determine the effect of episiotomy on Apgar score and umbilical artery PH. This study was done as a randomized control trial among 300 women in their first or second pregnancy with 37 to 42 weeks gestational age and without any complication in Tehran's Mahdieh Hospital. The women were randomized into case [with episiotomy] and control [without episiotomy] groups. Umbilical artery PH and Apgar scores at 1st and fifth minutes were determined and compared in two groups with Mann] Withney test. This study showed that within 300 uncomplicated vaginal deliveries, 140] [49%] newborn were delivered with episiotomy. No significant difference was seen between sex and weight of newborns in the two groups. Apgar scores were above 7 in all newborns. Mean arterial PH in control group [without episiotomy] was greater than case group [with episiotomy], [7.24 VS 7.21].] The number of PH under 7.2 was greater in episiotomy group and the difference was significant [P= 0.001]. Based on our data we believe that routine episiotomy for prevention of birth trauma in uncomplicated deliveries is not necessary