Assisted Delivery

When Would I Need An Assisted Delivery?

An assisted delivery may be required for various reasons:-

• your baby is in distress – is experiencing an oxygen shortage
• you are too exhausted
• the baby is not in the best position to be born
• you have had an epidural – pelvic muscles turn the babies head and shoulders into the best position for birth. if you have had an epidural these muscles may work less effectively
• the baby is premature – soft skull bones can be protected with forceps
• the baby is in a breech position
  

Assisted deliveries are normally performed in the second stages of labour when the cervix is fully dilated and your waters have broken. There are two types of assisted delivery available these are the forceps and ventouse.

What Are Forceps?

Forceps are metal tongs, the two halves fit around the babies head whilst in the birth canal and help to pull the baby out. Usually with a forceps delivery an episiotomy is needed to help the baby out, Don’t worry you will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area first. As you push with the next contraction the doctor gently pulls.

What Are The Risks To My Baby?

Babies that are born with the aid of forceps are generally fine. After the baby is born the doctor will check your baby very thoroughly. However, there can be some risks and these include:

• broken collar bone
• facial bruising. This will heal in a few days
• occasional damage to facial nerves. Again, this is temporary and will heal in a few days

What Is A Ventouse Delivery?

The ventouse is a small plastic cap attached by a tube to a pump. The cap is applied to the babies head and a vacuum sucks the air out of the cap. The doctor will pull on the cup whilst you push. After the baby is born the doctor will check your baby very thoroughly.

What Are The Risks To My Baby

Ventouse born babies are generally fine. However there can be some risks and these can include:-

• it can take some time to apply and remove the cap. This can slow the delivery and may result in a forceps delivery
• a blood blister can develop over the babies skull. This is also known as a cephalhaematoma . It may take a couple of months to disappear