The procedure of giving birth with forceps: reasons, process and risks

Sometimes, a normal vaginal delivery can run into problems that hinder the process of passing the baby. In this case, the doctor may assist in the delivery process using a device in the form of forceps or forceps.

Forceps or forceps are tools to help facilitate the labor process. You don't need to worry because forceps are safe to use. So, what is the way to use forceps (forceps) and when is the best time?

For clarity, various questions and other information regarding childbirth with forceps will be discussed in full here. Listen, let's!

What is childbirth with forceps?

Source: MDedge

Equipping yourself with various childbirth preparations and childbirth supplies is an important thing before the long-awaited day arrives.

One of them is by finding and understanding information about various types of childbirth, including methods such as water births, hypnobirthing, and gentle births.

Forceps or forceps is a tool shaped like a spoon or tweezers with a large size.

Forceps or forceps have two clamps on the right and left and a handle as a handle.

If you know of another normal birth aid called vacuum extraction, the forceps have the same function. It's just that, the two forms of labor aids are different.

Forceps or forceps are devices whose job is to guide the baby in the womb so that it can easily pass through the birth canal during the birth process.

Usually, forceps or forceps are used when there is a problem preventing the baby from leaving.

This tool is used when contractions are unable to expel the baby in the womb.

In fact, forceps can also be used if the way you push during childbirth that you are trying to produce does not produce optimal results.

In this condition, the normal delivery process can be assisted with forceps.

Launching from UT Southwestern Medical Center, Julie Y. Lo, M.D, as a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, explained more about the use of this one birth aid.

Basically, aids including the use of forceps do not really pull the baby.

On the other hand, the forceps for childbirth actually help direct the baby so that it can pass easily through the vagina but still with the strong urge of contractions and straining.

Yes, as long as the doctor uses the forceps, you still have to push properly as if you were pushing during a normal delivery.

So, it is the combination of the intense pressure of the contraction with the pull of the forceps that will make the process of delivering the baby easier.

When are forceps used during childbirth?

Childbirth using forceps is the method of choice when it is time for birth, the mother still has the strength to contractions and help expel the baby.

Some of the conditions for giving birth by forceps or forceps are as follows:

There has been a complete opening
Term fetus (gestational age above 37 weeks)
The part of the fetus that is close to the mother's pelvis is the head
The head has come down close to the vaginal canal
The labor contractions are quite good and the mother is not restless
Your water has broken
Carried out at a referral hospital

Here are some childbirth conditions that are recommended using forceps:

The baby does not experience movement at all even though you have tried to make contractions many times.
There is a problem with the baby's heart rate so it must be born immediately. But with a note, the baby is not in a fetal danger.
The mother has a certain medical history, such as heart disease, so the delivery time should be shortened.

In some cases, vaginal scissors (episiotomy) may have to be done to make the vaginal opening bigger.

The vaginal scissor procedure is performed along the muscle between the vagina and anus to help expel the baby.

At the end of the labor process or after the baby is successfully passed, the vaginal part until the anus can be sutured back to normal.

Are there any conditions that it is not recommended to use forceps?

Forceps can indeed help smooth the process of giving birth normally or through the vagina.

However, the Mayo Clinic does not recommend using forceps for childbirth under certain conditions.

Various conditions that prevent doctors from using forceps or forceps to give birth are as follows:

Babies have problems with bones and bleeding disorders, such as osteogenesis imperfecta and hemophilia.
The baby's head is not yet at the midpoint of the birth canal.
The position of the baby's head was not detected.
The baby's shoulder or arm will come out first through the vagina, not the head.
The size of the mother's pelvis does not match the size of the baby's head so that the baby cannot enter the pelvis.
Mother is tired and there is no energy to push during contractions

The use of forceps is generally done when a pregnant woman gives birth in a hospital, and not at home.

If needed, the doctor can also provide labor induction so that the uterus can contract optimally.

How is a normal delivery with forceps?

The thought of a device being inserted into your vagina during childbirth might scare you a little.

In fact, you don't need to worry because the use of forceps or forceps is actually safe as long as it is done by an expert.

As an illustration, the process of giving birth with forceps or forceps before, during, and after normal delivery is as follows:

Before using forceps

The medical team will insert a catheter to empty the urine from your bladder.

Next, the doctor may make a vaginal scissor incision in the area between the vagina and anus.

This aims to facilitate the entry of forceps during childbirth and make the process of leaving the baby run smoothly.

During use of forceps

As with normal delivery, the mother should also be in a lying position with her legs wide apart just before using the forceps.

When you have entered the second stage of normal childbirth, the mother will routinely experience contractions.

Between contractions, the doctor will insert the forceps into the vagina until it touches the baby's head.

There are two forceps clamps that are held together by the handle as a handle.

When it is inside the vagina, the doctor places one of the forceps clamps next to the baby's head.

Next, attach the forceps or other forceps to the other side of the baby's head.

The clamp on the forceps or forceps is what seems to be holding the baby's head and locking it while being pulled out.

While you push according to the doctor's instructions, the forceps will be moved to guide the baby slowly through the birth canal.

But sometimes, giving birth with the help of forceps doesn't always work out well.

As an alternative, the doctor may suggest using a delivery aid in the form of a vacuum extractor.

However, if this method also does not work, caesarean section can be a last resort.

After using the forceps

Because the process of giving birth normally with forceps involves the use of a device, it is feared that there will be an injury to the baby's head.

So after a successful birth, the doctor and medical team will examine the baby's condition.

Not only that, your condition will also be checked after giving birth with the help of forceps to find out if there are complications or not.

A vaginal scissor incision that was previously made between the vagina and anus, is then sutured and repaired by the doctor.

Are there any risks of using forceps?

Childbirth with forceps can at least help facilitate the normal birth process.

This is because in certain conditions, giving birth with forceps takes less time so as to minimize the possible harm to the mother and baby.

However, it is possible to give birth with forceps that can pose a risk of injury, both to you and the baby.

Some of the possible risks of giving birth by forceps or forceps for the baby are as follows:

Injury to the face due to pressure from the forceps
Temporary weakness of the facial muscles or paralysis of the face
Skull fracture or fracture of the skull
Bleeding into the skull
Body convulsions

Meanwhile for mothers, some of the risks that can occur due to childbirth with forceps or forceps are as follows:

Pain or tenderness occurs between the vagina and anus (perineum) after childbirth.
An injury to the bladder (urethra) appears.
Experiencing urinary incontinence or difficulty controlling the urge to urinate.
Have anemia due to loss of a lot of blood or bleeding during childbirth.
Have uterine rupture or uterine tear.
The ligaments that support the pelvis are weakened, causing the pelvis to change from its normal position.

Even so, serious injuries rarely occur in babies born using forceps.

At the beginning of birth, babies usually have a small mark on their face that is used for gripping the forceps.

But over time, these marks will disappear on their own.