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Prerequisites before the
Procedures
• Cervix needs to be fully dilated and effaced
and the membranes ruptured; the fetal head has to be
engaged
• Prep time takes about 30-45 minutes; the birth
is over within 2-3 contractions
• An experienced physician should handle the procedure.
Choice of instrument used will depend after a vaginal
examination to determine which is more appropriate
• An epidural or a local anesthetic will be given
to numb the perineal area
• A thin catheter will be inserted in the bladder
to empty it
• An episiotomy may be performed to enlarge the
vaginal opening
• All necessary preps for a C-section should be
made in case instrumental delivery fails
Forceps-assisted
Birth
• The instrument is shaped like a pair of scissors
which when hooked together look like salad tongs. It
may look scary but it is preferred if your doctor deems
it necessary or to avoid a C-section.
• Forceps are used to help turn the baby's head
if he is facing the wrong way
• One spoon goes in one at a time into the vagina
to cradle around the temples of the baby's head. With
the uterine contractions and the mother pushing, your
doctor gently pulls on the forceps to help the baby
through the canal.
• Forceps delivery will only be used if the baby's
head is properly engaged in the mother's pelvis. A cesarean
will be performed otherwise.
• Episiotomy may always be necessary but it is
performed in most instances to help with the delivery
Vacuum-assisted
Birth
• Also known as venthouse birth, it is an alternative
to forceps. A venthouse or vacuum extractor uses suction
to guide the baby out.
• A rubber or plastic cup is pressed against the
baby's head; the cup gets its suction through a tube
from a vacuum bottle attached to a small pump.
• With each push the obstetrician will gently
pull the cup and guide the baby out.
• Again, episiotomy may not always be necessary
with this procedure
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