A–Z Glossary

Cephalohematoma

A cephalohematoma is bleeding beneath the periosteum covering a skull bone, which may take longer to resolve.

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Complete guide to assisted delivery

Complete guide to assisted delivery

What assisted delivery means Assisted delivery is a vaginal birth supported by an obstetric instrument. A vacuum device uses a soft or semi-rigid cup placed on the baby’s scalp to provide traction during contractions and maternal pushing. Forceps are shaped instruments placed around the baby’s head to guide the head through the birth canal. Neither […]

Assisted delivery in first and second pregnancy

Assisted delivery in first and second pregnancy

What assisted delivery means Assisted delivery is most often shorthand for assisted vaginal delivery, where an obstetric clinician uses forceps or a vacuum device to help the baby be born vaginally. It is not the same as inducing labor, augmenting contractions, or having a cesarean birth. It is usually considered late in labor, after full […]

Physical effects of assisted delivery on the body

Physical effects of assisted delivery on the body

How an assisted vaginal birth affects the body During an assisted vaginal birth, an obstetric clinician applies forceps around the fetal head or places a vacuum cup on the scalp. Traction is coordinated with uterine contractions and maternal pushing to guide descent and birth. The instrument does not act in isolation: fetal position, the depth […]

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 […]

Impact of assisted delivery on baby

Impact of assisted delivery on baby

What assisted delivery means for the baby During an assisted vaginal birth, the baby is already low in the maternal pelvis and birth is expected to occur through the vagina. A vacuum cup attaches to the fetal scalp and provides traction during contractions and pushing. Forceps are curved instruments placed around the baby’s head to […]

Success rates and outcomes of assisted delivery

Success rates and outcomes of assisted delivery

What counts as a successful assisted delivery? In research, a successful assisted delivery usually means that the chosen instrument results in vaginal birth. This definition is narrower than the broader clinical goal, which is to achieve a safe birth for both the baby and the birthing parent. A procedure can therefore be considered technically successful […]

Is assisted delivery dangerous myths vs facts

Is assisted delivery dangerous myths vs facts

What assisted delivery means In an assisted vaginal birth, an obstetric clinician places a vacuum cup on the baby’s scalp or positions forceps around the baby’s head. The device is used during contractions and pushing to add traction, helping the baby descend and be born. The baby must usually be low enough in the pelvis, […]

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 […]

Vacuum vs forceps delivery comparison

Vacuum vs forceps delivery comparison

What vacuum and forceps delivery have in common Vacuum-assisted delivery and forceps-assisted delivery are both forms of assisted vaginal delivery, also called operative vaginal birth. They are usually considered in the second stage of labor, after full cervical dilation, when the baby’s head is low enough for a vaginal birth to be realistically completed. Common […]

Risks benefits and recovery after vacuum delivery

Risks benefits and recovery after vacuum delivery

What vacuum delivery means Vacuum delivery is an assisted vaginal delivery in which a clinician places a soft or rigid cup on the baby’s scalp and applies controlled suction. During a contraction and maternal pushing effort, the clinician gently guides the baby through the birth canal. The aim is not to pull the baby out […]

How vacuum extraction is performed and when it is needed

How vacuum extraction is performed and when it is needed

What vacuum extraction is Vacuum extraction is an operative vaginal birth technique in which a clinician places a suction cup on the fetal scalp and applies controlled traction during contractions while the birthing person pushes. The device does not pull the baby out independently; it augments the expulsive forces already present in the second stage […]