Merck Manual

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Operative Vaginal Delivery

By

Julie S. Moldenhauer

, MD, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Reviewed/Revised Mar 2024
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
Topic Resources

Operative vaginal delivery is delivery using a vacuum extractor or forceps.

Assisted Delivery
VIDEO

Forceps are metal surgical instruments with rounded edges that fit around the fetus’s head. Rarely, using forceps bruises the baby or tears the area between the opening of the woman’s vagina and anus (called the perineum).

Vacuum extraction or forceps delivery may be required when

  • The fetus is in distress

  • The woman becomes too tired to push effectively

  • Labor is prolonged

  • The woman has a disorder (such as some brain or heart disorders) that make vigorous pushing inadvisable

Using Forceps or a Vacuum Extractor

Forceps or a vacuum extractor may be used to help with delivery. Forceps are placed around the baby’s head. A vacuum extractor uses suction to adhere to the baby’s head. With either device, the baby is gently pulled out as the woman pushes.

Using Forceps or a Vacuum Extractor
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