If Assistance Gets Hard

Common complications and safety of assisted birth

Common complications and safety of assisted birth

When assisted birth is considered and what makes it safe Assisted birth is usually considered during the second stage of labour, when the cervix is fully dilated and the baby has descended into the pelvis but birth is not progressing adequately. Common indications include prolonged or ineffective pushing, maternal exhaustion, and a non-reassuring fetal heart-rate […]

When assisted delivery leads to C-section

When assisted delivery leads to C-section

Assisted delivery is usually an attempt to prevent C-section Assisted vaginal delivery, also called operative vaginal birth, refers to using forceps or a vacuum device to help guide the baby through the birth canal during the second stage of labor. It is not usually a step toward surgery; in many situations it is offered specifically […]

When assisted delivery becomes risky

When assisted delivery becomes risky

What makes an assisted birth different Assisted vaginal delivery is used in the second stage of labor, when the cervix is fully dilated and the baby is low enough in the birth canal for an obstetric instrument to help guide birth. The two main options are forceps-assisted delivery and vacuum-assisted delivery. Forceps cradle the baby’s […]

Risks of assisted delivery for mother and baby

Risks of assisted delivery for mother and baby

What assisted delivery involves Assisted vaginal delivery is used when a clinician helps guide the baby out using either forceps or a vacuum cup. Forceps are curved metal instruments placed around the baby’s head, while vacuum extraction uses a suction cup attached to the baby’s scalp. In both cases, traction is applied during contractions while […]