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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.
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