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 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 caesarean section.
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. Ventouse 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 caesarean.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalised medical advice.
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