Sometimes a baby needs a little help when coming through the birth canal during delivery. When this happens, the doctor may use forceps to help deliver the baby. This is called a forceps-assisted delivery. Forceps look like a long pair of spoons or tongs.
Before a forceps delivery, the vagina and the area around it are numbed with an anesthetic. A cut (incision) may be made to make the opening of the vagina bigger. Then the doctor gently places the forceps on either side of the baby's head and turns the baby or pulls the baby out.
Your body will slowly heal in the next few weeks.
Forceps are sometimes used when the baby is not moving down the birth canal (vagina). They can also be used to hurry delivery when the mother or baby is in distress during labor.
Vacuum extraction uses a cup-shaped extractor to apply a gentle suction to the top of the baby's head. This holds the baby in place. The vacuum extractor can be used to assist the mother while she is pushing during contractions.
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