| Sometimes the baby has to be helped out with forceps or by vacuum suction. Forceps are used only when the cervix is fully dilated, and the baby's head has engaged, although suction may be used occasionally before full dilation if labor is prolonged (Ventouse delivery). |
You may have an assisted delivery if:
- You cannot push the baby out, perhaps because he has a big head.
- You or the baby shows signs of distress the labor.
- Your baby is breech or premature; the forceps protect his head from pressure in the birth canal.
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You will probably be given an injection of local anesthetic into your pelvic floor area, and an episiotomy. The doctor positions the forceps on either side of the baby's head and gently pulls to deliver it. You can help by pushing. The rest of the body is delivered normally.
Forceps forms a cage around the baby's head, protecting it from pressure and damage.
Vacuum: A small metal cup or a silastic cup, connected to a vacuum pump, is passed into the vagina and attached to the baby's head. The baby is gently pulled through the birth canal, as you push. I normally use this method (Ventouse delivery |
- The forceps may leave pressure marks or bruises on either side of the baby's head, but these are harmless and disappear within a few days.
- The vacuum cup will cause slight swelling, and later a bruise, on baby's head. This gradually subsides.
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