What happens at a forceps delivery?

As preparation for this kind of delivery the bladder must be empty and the mother is placed on her back with her legs supported in stirrups. The cervix must fully dilated and some form of local anaesthesia will be applied. After the forceps blades are inserted and placed into position around the baby’s head, the doctor rotates the head if necessary down against the perineum. The perineum is the small area between vagina and rectum. This usually requires an incision in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening, called an episiotomy and the baby will be assisted by the doctor during the contractions. Finally when the newborn is lifted out, the baby and the mother will be treated as necessary.

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