Forceps Delivery

Description

# Forceps delivery uses large forceps (i.e., a large, spoon-shaped instrument) that assists delivery by holding the baby's head and pulling the baby out of the birth canal.
# In the past, people avoided cesarean sections because of scarring from past surgeries or side effects from anesthetics, and chose instead natural or vaginal (i.e., mechanical) delivery.
# Medical conditions for cesarean delivery have improved, making them safer and scarring less.
# Natural or mechanical birthing, however, is clearly on the rise, making forceps use more common.


# Indications

Forceps delivery is used in the following conditions:
# The mother cannot bear down due to exhaustion from a long labor or anesthetics.
# Contractions become weak and the woman is unable to make the final push.
# High blood pressure from toxemia (gestosis) or other illnesses that make bearing down undesirable.
# Delivery is imminent and the baby is weak, or maternal bleeding necessitates a speedy delivery.


Usage

# A forceps delivery can be used once the uterus has opened completely and the water has broke.
# Normally, the baby comes out facing the mother's back, and this is the best position to use the forceps.
# The doctor carefully places the forceps on both sides of the baby's head and pulls it out of the vagina with sufficient and steady force.
# Simulating natural contractions, the baby is pulled at regular intervals to promote blood circulation in the uterus and the baby. The baby's heartbeat is constantly monitored throughout the procedure.

Complications

# Forceps can leave small bruises on the baby's head and face that heal after a few days.
# Only an experienced and skilled doctor should use this tool; otherwise, side effects such as nerve and brain damage may occur.