Assisted births

In some cases it may not be possible for a woman to push her baby out; she may be under the influence of medication or exhausted. There may be complications that prevent her from pushing, or an emergency arises that necessitates the delivery to be sped up.

Forceps

Forceps look similar to salad tongs with curved ends to support your baby’s head. Your doctor might perform an episiotomy (a surgical incision used to enlarge the vaginal opening) to make room for the forceps and your baby’s head. During a contraction while you push, the doctor pulls gently with the help of the forceps. Usually, if three attempts do not work then you will need to have a cesarean section.

Vacuum extractor or Ventouse

This method involves using a device that looks similar to a vacuum device; a cup is placed on the top of your baby’s head which is attached to a small pump. Types of cups vary from soft to metallic and the type used will likely depend on your baby’s position. Vacuum assisted births tend to be less painful than forceps births. Use of ventouse or vacuum extractor also reduces the need for an episiotomy. During a contraction while you push, the doctor pulls gently on the cup. If after three attempts it is not successful, you may need to have a cesarean.