What Is a Forceps Delivery and Will It Harm My Child?

Forceps are the long salad-tongue-like instruments that are sometimes used by doctors to deliver babies. They are designed to hold the child's head as the handles are pulled, which assists in the birthing process. Forceps are typically only used during the second stage of labor.

A doctor may utilize forceps to accelerate delivery due to fetal distress or exhaustion on the mother's part. Typically, forceps deliveries will help women avoid cesarean sections.

A forceps delivery is carried out in the following manner:

Cervix must be dilated fully.

Bladder must be empty.

Mother is placed on her back with legs in stirrups.

Some form of local anesthetic must be administered if an epidural isn't already placed.

Forceps are inserted one at a time and secured around the baby's head.

The doctor will rotate the head into a favorable position.

The head is pulled down onto the perineum.

Episiotomy is performed.

The baby's head is lifted out, followed by the body.

Placenta is delivered, followed by an injection of syntocinon or ergometrine.

If a physician does not utilize the correct technigues when using forceps, complications can occur. These complications are typically not too severe and are fairly rare. Complications may include cuts or tears on the mother or child, as well as vaginal tearing, rectal tearing, nerve damage or skull fractures.