Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting and Obstetric Outcomes

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the association of type III female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and de-infibulation with immediate maternal and neonatal outcomes. Women with type III FGM/C were compared with women with type I or II FGM/C or no FGM/C. Only uncomplicated singleton, full-term pregnancies with the fetus in vertex presentation were included. There was a greater frequency of postpartum hemorrhage and the use of mediolateral episiotomy in women with type III FGM/C. Mediolateral episiotomy was associated with a reduced rate of any spontaneous perineal laceration as well as third-degree and fourth-degree lacerations in women with type III FGM/C who underwent de-infibulation.