When Plans Change Fast

Signs intervention is needed and failure to progress explained

Signs intervention is needed and failure to progress explained

What failure to progress means Failure to progress is a clinical description used when labor is not advancing as expected. In the first stage, this usually means that cervical dilation is happening very slowly or has stopped despite regular contractions. In the second stage, it often means that pushing is not bringing the baby lower […]

How doctors decide to intervene during labor

How doctors decide to intervene during labor

The decision is a risk-benefit judgment Doctors decide to intervene during labor by comparing the likely benefits of action with the risks of continuing without that action. This is rarely a simple yes-or-no calculation. A cervical exam, contraction pattern, fetal heart rate tracing, maternal temperature, blood pressure, pain level, bleeding, gestational age, prior uterine surgery, […]

Assisted delivery interventions overview

Assisted delivery interventions overview

What assisted delivery means Assisted delivery interventions are obstetric techniques used when the baby is expected to be born vaginally but the final descent and birth need help. In most maternity settings, the term refers to assisted vaginal delivery, also called operative vaginal birth, using either forceps or a vacuum cup. These interventions are distinct […]

Risks and recovery after assisted delivery

Risks and recovery after assisted delivery

What assisted delivery means Assisted delivery refers to a vaginal birth in which a trained clinician uses either forceps or a vacuum extractor to help deliver the baby during the second stage of labor. Forceps are curved instruments placed around the baby’s head to guide descent and rotation. A vacuum extractor uses a soft or […]

Vacuum and forceps use and how procedures are performed

Vacuum and forceps use and how procedures are performed

What assisted vaginal delivery means Assisted vaginal delivery refers to birth through the vagina with the help of an instrument, most commonly a vacuum device or obstetric forceps. It is not the same as induction, augmentation, or cesarean birth. The assistance happens late in labor, during the second stage, when the cervix is fully dilated […]