Forceps Delivery Complications
The moment of birth is supposed to be a triumphant moment, but complications can quickly turn it into a nightmare. Forceps are often used to prevent cesarean sections. Most forceps deliveries result in healthy births, but the use of forceps is not without risks. When forceps are used, as many as 37.2% of newborns and 58.1% of mothers experience varying degrees of complications.
- Last Updated Date: August 29, 2023
The moment of birth is supposed to be a triumphant moment, but complications can quickly turn it into a nightmare. Forceps are often used to prevent cesarean sections. Most forceps deliveries result in healthy births, but the use of forceps is not without risks. When forceps are used, as many as 37.2% of newborns and 58.1% of mothers experience varying degrees of complications.
How do forceps work?
Obstetrical forceps are instruments that look like large salad tongs with ends curved to conform to the baby’s head. They are applied to the baby’s head after the infant enters the birth canal when it becomes necessary to hasten birth.
Types of Forceps
Obstetrical forceps are instruments that look likeObstetrical forceps are available in multiple shapes and sizes to facilitate use during various circumstances that arise during the birthing process. They can be divided into three basic categories. large salad tongs with ends curved to conform to the baby’s head. They are applied to the baby’s head after the infant enters the birth canal when it becomes necessary to hasten birth.
Outlet Forceps
Outlet forceps are the shortest type of obstetrical forceps. They are used when the infant’s head has reached the end of the birth canal and is visible. These forceps are also used in cesarean sections. Wrigley forceps are examples of commonly-used outlet forceps.
Mid-Cavity Forceps
Mid-Cavity forceps are slightly longer than outlet forceps, and they are most commonly used when the infant’s head is midway through the birth canal. They are commonly used for rotations as well. Simpson Forceps are widely used examples of mid-cavity forceps.
Rotational Forceps
Rotational Forceps are the longest type of obstetrical forceps. They are used in complicated vaginal deliveries to minimize risks when rotations are needed. These forceps present the highest risks to the mother and infant due to their length and should only be used by practitioners trained in their use. Kielland forceps are the most well-known type of rotational forceps.
When and why are forceps used?
Forceps are used when the baby has descended head-first into the birth canal, but the mother needs assistance moving the baby out of the birth canal. This could be due to the following reasons:
- Labor has stopped progressing despite a prolonged period of pushing
- Maternal exhaustion or an epidural has prevented effective pushing
- Maternal medical contraindications to pushing exist
- Fetal distress necessitates a faster delivery than pushing alone can produce
Forceps should be used only in facilities that can perform cesarean sections, in case of complications.
Written by:
Birth Injury Center Team
The Birth Injury Center aims to create informational web content and guides to help women and their families seeking support and guidance for birth injuries caused by medical negligence. All of the content published across The Birth Injury Center website has been thoroughly investigated and approved by medical expert Natalie Speer, RNC-OB, Attorney Ryan Mahoney.
