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Forceps or Vacuum Delivery of a Baby

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KEY POINTS

  • Your healthcare provider may use an instrument, such as forceps or vacuum, to assist when delivering your baby.
  • Every procedure or treatment has risks. Ask your healthcare provider about any other questions or concerns that you may have.
  • Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to your normal activities, including when to resume exercise, sexual activities, and tampon use.

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What is forceps or vacuum delivery of a baby?

When you go into labor, your muscles in your uterus tighten, and the cervix (the opening of the uterus) thins and opens. The baby moves down the birth canal to be born, which is called delivery. Your healthcare provider may use an instrument, such as forceps or vacuum, to assist when delivering your baby. Instruments can help your healthcare provider move your baby’s head through the birth canal.

When is it used?

Your provider will choose the best instrument based on your health, the baby’s status and position, and the risks and benefits of the procedure. Your healthcare provider may use a forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery method if:

  • The baby is moving less or has a slowed heart rate
  • You have a lack of progress in labor
  • You are unable to push well
  • Your baby’s head is in the wrong position

How do I prepare?

  • During prenatal visits, you and your partner should talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you have about labor. You should also talk about procedures that may be needed during labor and delivery and ask any questions you have.
  • Make plans for your care and recovery after you have your baby. Allow for time to rest and try to find other people to help with your day-to-day tasks and the care of your newborn baby for the first week or two after you come home from the hospital.
  • You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of delivery. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
  • If you smoked during your pregnancy, follow your provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the delivery. Smokers may have more breathing problems and heal more slowly.
  • Your healthcare provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before delivery.
  • Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.

What happens during the procedure?

During active labor, the contractions usually get stronger and more regular. You and your baby will be checked often during labor.

During delivery of your baby:

  • Your healthcare provider may use forceps to pull your baby's head down gently. Forceps look like 2 large spoons that are placed around your baby's head while your provider gently guides the baby out of the birth canal.
  • Your provider may place a soft plastic cup on your baby’s head and use a kind of vacuum to pull gently during a contraction while you are pushing.
  • Your baby may need to be delivered by C-section (an operation that delivers your baby through a cut in your belly and uterus) if:
    • A forceps or vacuum delivery doesn’t work or would be too dangerous for the baby
    • Your baby is too big to pass through your pelvis
  • Your provider may use vacuum extraction during a C-section delivery.

What happens after the procedure?

If you are awake, you can usually hold your baby right away. You will be taken to your room or a recovery room to be watched after delivery. The nurses will check your blood pressure, your breathing, the amount of bleeding, and your belly.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Ask your provider:

  • How long it will take to recover
  • If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities, including when to resume exercise, sexual activities, and tampon use
  • How to take care of yourself at home
  • What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

  • You may have infection, bleeding, or blood clots.
  • You may have a cut in the tissue between the opening of the vagina and the rectum (episiotomy).
  • Your uterus or other parts of your body may be injured during the procedure.
  • The baby might be hurt during the delivery.
  • You may have problems with anesthesia.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.

Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2016.4 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2016-01-20
Last reviewed: 2016-01-04
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2016 RelayHealth, a division of McKesson Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.
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