Assisted delivery
By the end of the
pushing stage, it may become apparent that both mother and baby need a little
extra help during labor. After making sure that the anesthesia is working, the
doctor will gently apply forceps or suck the baby's head a little. While the
mother is having her next contractions, the doctor gently helps the baby's head
pass through the birth canal.
What instruments are used during assisted delivery?
Your doctor will
usually use forceps or a vacuum to help remove the baby. Forceps are similar to
forceps with loops on both sides, used to gently turn or pull the baby's head
to help the baby pass through the birth canal.
The vacuum puller
uses suction to turn the baby's head or pull the baby through the birth canal.
The suction is adjusted so that the amount of suction used for delivery is kept
to a minimum.
Why might an assisted delivery be necessary?
Your doctor may
suggest an assisted birth for the following reasons:
- If the mother has had an epidural, the pelvic muscles that normally help rotate the baby's head and shoulders into the preferred position for delivery may not be effective. An epidural can also make it harder to feel contractions, making pushing less effective.
- If the baby is in a difficult position for a normal delivery.
- If the child is not getting enough oxygen. Lack of oxygen increases the risk of brain damage.
- If the mother is physically exhausted.
- The doctor may suggest using forceps if the child is walking feet first or in a breech position.
If I am trying to give birth vaginally, is anesthesia required during assisted labor? If so, what types are recommended?
When assistance
becomes necessary during labor, the doctor will usually suggest some form of
anesthesia.
In this regard, the
mother may think of a genital block. In this procedure, the doctor injects a
local anesthetic directly into the nerves directly into the vagina. Pudendal
block is most often chosen by women who have reached the 10 cm stage and were
hoping for a drug-free birth, but now need help to complete the birth.
Sexual blockade is
effective in 80% of cases, and its effects do not last long.
What should I pay attention to when if the delivery is assisted?
The following side
effects are possible if forceps are used during labor:
- Redness may appear on the face. The color change usually disappears within a few days.
- There may be minor bruising. They usually disappear quickly.
- Although rare, there may be trauma to the baby's facial nerves. However, the damage is rarely permanent and the effects usually disappear within a few days.
- The baby may be born with a somewhat conical head. This effect is considered normal and can occur with any vaginal delivery.
The following side effects are possible when delivery is assisted with suction
A blood blister on
the scalp or a cephalohematoma may develop. Full recovery of the child can take
up to 6-8 weeks. This condition does not affect the child's brain.
There may be slight bruising on the scalp. Bruises usually disappear within a few days.