Forceps: An Introduction To Forceps Delivery

Forceps refers to a device that you use in your hand to grip or take hold of something. The basic idea behind the structure of forceps is akin to tongs, pincers and tweezers. Some forceps are specifically designed for use in surgery and other medical procedures. These are known as surgical forceps. There was a time when these were used frequently for childbirth. Till the later part of last century, forceps delivery was a common thing. However, in recent years, it has lost its popularity because of forceps complications.

Different Types Of Surgical Forceps

Forceps are very useful for surgeons when they are in surgical theater. Use of forceps is perfectly hygienic when it comes to handling the needles, tissues and dressings. However, a surgeon has to use various types of forceps to handle different things. For example, size of dressing forceps is larger while tissue forceps are designed in such a way that it does not apply much pressure on tissues because of smaller teeth.

Brief Description Of Forceps Delivery

Here is a brief description of how forceps are used for childbirth. Before you begin the process make sure that the cervix is fully dilated and empty the bladder. First of all the expectant mother is placed in lithotomic position. A very light dose of anesthesia is given to help in pain control. Feel the posterior fontanel to know about the exact position of fetal head. Now the surgeon inserts two forceps in such a way that the head of the baby is locked. Sometimes the fetal head is not in the exact occipital anterior position where it should have been so you may have to turn it around. Final delivery takes place just after episiotomy has been performed.

What Are The Indicating Factors?

You may have to choose forceps delivery in the condition when in spite of all maternal attempts, childbirth is not taking place. Arterial hypertension and fetal or maternal distress are also indicating factors. Before you go for this option you should understand that it has both advantages and disadvantages. The biggest advantage is that you do not have to go for caesarean. Moreover, it takes less time than the caesarean. Another benefit is that you can opt for it even when the head of baby is not at the right place.

Understand The Risks Associated With It Before Taking Any Decision

There are many drawbacks also associated with the forceps delivery that you cannot ignore. First one is that you have to be given anesthesia because episiotomy has to be performed. It can hurt the pelvic floor muscles besides many other internal tissues. Some other negative aspects include anal fissure, marks on the face of baby, skull fracture, nerve damage, brain damage and cervical injury.