Forceps vaginal delivery is done due to the below conditions:
- When the mother is pushing but thelaborhas stalled or if the baby is stuck in the birth canal
- If immediate delivery is required due to fetal distress (change in the baby’s heartbeat suggesting that the baby’s health is at risk)
- If the mother is exhausted due to pushing and may not be able to push further
- If the baby is at an unfavorable position during the pushing stage (the forceps may be used to rotate the baby's head)
If the mother suffers from certain health conditions, forceps delivery may be recommended. Health conditions, such as:
- Hypertension
- Cardiac diseases like class III or IVheart failure(heartcould not pump sufficient blood)
- Hormonal imbalance
- Spinal cord injury
- Severeanemia
What is a forceps delivery?
Forceps delivery is a type of assisted delivery in which tong-shaped instruments are used to ease the baby out of the birth canal. These instruments are used to cradle the baby’s head in the vagina and turn the baby into a better position if needed so that they can be guided out. However, the use of forceps has decreased in recent years. Below are a few common benefits and risks of forceps delivery:
Benefits:
- Delivery may be achieved faster
- 成功的阴道交付的速度y is higher compared to vacuum extraction
- The incidence of fetalscalpinjuries is lower
- They can be used to rotate the fetal head into the right position and facilitate normal delivery
- They do not detach from the fetal head during traction if correctly applied
Risks:
Forceps delivery has its risks for both the mother and the baby. The mother’s risks include:
- Vaginal tears during the delivery
- Bladder injuries
- Urethra injuries
Post the delivery the mother may experience:
- Fecal and/or urinaryincontinence
- Perineum (the area between anus and vagina)pain
- Difficulty while urinating
- A weakening of the muscles supporting the pelvic organs
The baby’s risks include:
- Bruisingon the baby’s face due to the usage of forceps
- Nerve damage to the face caused by the pressure of the forceps
- Facial injuries
- Skullfracture
- Internal bleedingwithin the skull
- Temporary eyetraumafor the baby due to the pressure of the forceps
- Seizuresor shaking of the body
How is forceps delivery performed?
Forceps delivery is done during the second stage of normal vaginal delivery. During this procedure, the patient may be on anesthesia to numb thepain.
The doctor gently inserts two or more fingers inside the vagina and beside the baby's head.
- The doctor then gently slides one part of the tong between the fingers and the baby's head, followed by the positioning of the other half of the tong on the other side of the baby's head.
- 通然后锁在一起的两个部分safely secure the baby’s head in between them.
- If the baby is facing upwards, in between the mother’s contractions, the doctor uses the forceps to gently shift the position of the baby’s head.
- As thelaborprogresses, the doctor may remove the forceps before the widest part of the baby’s head goes through the birth canal or they may retain the hold of the forceps.
- When the mother experiences the next contraction, the doctor gently guides the baby through the birth canal using the forceps.
If after using the forceps, the doctor is not able to move the baby after three pulls or the baby is not delivered within 20 minutes, the doctor will most likely suggest an emergency cesarean delivery. Alternatively, the doctor may also opt for vacuum extraction.
What should a patient do after a forceps delivery procedure?
While using the forceps to assist in the delivery of the baby, if the doctor had made a cut on the side of the vagina during the delivery (episiotomy), or you had a vaginal tear, there are a few things you can do to accelerate your healing:
- Apply ice packs in the area of thewoundright after birth; even when at home, continue using ice packs in the area.
- Use sitz baths a few times a day, which may provide relief from the pain.
- During urination, keep pouring warm water over the area; this may take away the sting of the urine.
- Do not put pressure in that area while passing a凳子.
- After urinating or after a bowel movement spray some warm water in the area and pat dry using very soft towels or baby wipes.
- Do not use toilet paper or rub the area hard.
- While sitting down, use a doughnut cushion or a pillow.
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Braxton Hicks Contractions (False Labor)
Braxton Hicks contractions are also known as false labor pains. Though these irregular uterine contractions may occur in the second trimester, they're more likely to occur during the third trimester of pregnancy. Unlike true labor pains, false labor pains are often irregular, may stop when you walk, rest, or change positions, and the contractions do not get closer together or stronger.
Braxton Hicks vs. True Labor: How to Tell the Difference
Some pregnant women may mistake Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor) for real labor contractions, especially in the first pregnancy. Real labor contractions occur at regular intervals that become progressively shorter; more painful as labor progresses; are described as a tightening, pounding, or stabbing pain. Braxton Hicks contractions do not occur in regular intervals; do not become longer over time; and may disappear for a period of time and then return. Braxton Hicks contractions occur in third trimester of pregnancy, however, sometimes can occur in the second trimester. True labor contractions begin around your due date (unless your baby is preterm, in which you will be in preterm labor). So how can you tell the difference? Here are a few similarities and differences between Braxton Hicks contractions and True or real labor contractions.Braxton Hicks contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions tend to become more frequent toward the end of pregnancy, and are not as painful as real labor contractions; do not occur in regular intervals; do not become longer over time; and may disappear for a period of time and then return.
Labor contractions
Frequently one of the early symptoms and signs of true labor is when the contractions begin to occur less than 10 minutes apart.
Real labor
Real labor contractions occur at regular intervals that become progressively shorter; more painful as labor progresses; are described as a tightening, pounding, or stabbing pain; may feel similar to menstrual cramps; and sometimes Braxton Hicks contractions can be triggered by dehydration, sexual intercourse, increased activity of the mother or baby, touching of the pregnant woman's abdomen, or a distended bladder.
Natural and home remedies to soothe and provide comfort for Braxton Hicks contractions include relaxation exercises like deep breathing or mental relaxation; change positions or take a walk if you have been active and rest; drink a glass of herbal tea or water; eat; or soak in a warm bath for 30 minutes (or less).
Preterm labor signs and symptomsWhen you have reached 37 weeks, and the contractions are more painful and are increasing in frequency you will have abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping, an increase in pelvic pressure or back pain, and the contractions are more than four contractions an hour.
Labor Symptoms (Early Signs)
Every woman's experience with labor and delivery is unique for each woman, and thus "Normal" labor varies from woman to woman. Some of the common signs and symptoms of normal labor include the "baby dropping," increase urination, back pain, contractions, and diarrhea.How Common Are Complications During Childbirth?
Labor or childbirth is a physiologic process during which the fetus, membranes, umbilical cord and placenta are expelled from the uterus. The most common complications during childbirth include preeclampsia, eclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, infections and uterine atony.Is Breech Extraction Safe?
A breech baby means that the baby is in a bottom-down position inside the uterus. The baby generally has enough room inside the uterus to change position. By 36, most babies are in the head-down position (vertex presentation), which is the best and safest position for delivery.
Labor and Delivery
Early and later symptoms and signs of labor and delivery are unique to each woman. Early signs of labor are "lightning" and passing the mucus plug. Later symptoms and signs that labor that labor is are the woman's water breaking, and when contractions begin. There are three stages of labor, stage 1 is the longest and occurs when the cervix begins to thin and dilate. During stage 2 of labor the baby passes through the birth canal and remains there until delivery, and stage 3, is when the baby is delivered.
Stages of Pregnancy: Week by Week
See pictures on the various stages of pregnancy. See and learn what changes a woman's body goes through and view fetal images of how her baby grows during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
What Are the Side Effects of Cesarean Delivery?
Cesarean delivery is a surgery to deliver a baby through a surgical cut (incision) on the abdomen and uterus. It is generally a safe procedure for the mother and baby. There may, however, be a few risks to the health of the mother and baby. These risks are described below.
What Are the Side Effects of Vacuum Delivery?
真空输送是一种辅助delive诞生ry also called ventouse-assisted delivery. Vacuum-assisted birth is a method to assist the delivery of a baby using a vacuum device. The side effects include potential risks to the mother and risks to the baby.What Are the Steps in Neonatal Resuscitation?
Neonatal resuscitation is a series of emergency procedures performed by a doctor to support newborn babies who are not breathing, are gasping or have a weak heartbeat at birth. These skills allow a doctor to save the lives of newborn babies.
What Is the Process of Normal Delivery?
Normal delivery refers to childbirth through the vagina without any medical intervention. It is also known as a vaginal birth. Every delivery is unique and may differ from mothers to mothers. There are different stages of normal delivery or vaginal birth.
When Can You Have a VBAC After Cesarean Delivery?
VBAC stands for vaginal birth after cesarean. If a woman has delivered a baby by Cesarean delivery and she is pregnant again, she may be able to choose between delivering through a repeat Cesarean delivery or a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).Why Do Doctors Tell You Not to Push During Labor?
Labor is the process that prepares a woman to deliver her baby into the world. Doctors tell a woman not to push during labor because she is not ready, there may be a problem with the baby or she may have had an epidural.
Why Do Doctors Shave You Before Delivery of Your Baby?
Pregnancy labor shave of the perineum before delivery is usually a topic for debate. Doctors may shave you before delivery for hygiene reasons or to reduce the risk of infection due to a surgical incision or C-section incision. During a normal vaginal delivery, the doctor may use a vacuum to aid in the removal of the baby from the birth canal. This is also called vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. This procedure augments (speeds up) the process of delivery, reduces the risk of injury to the baby and helps avoid cesarean delivery because it has a high risk of maternal morbidity.