Understanding Assisted Delivery
Forceps and vacuum extractors are tools used to assist delivery when the baby needs help moving through the birth canal. While they can be lifesaving when used correctly, improper use can cause serious injuries.
When Are These Tools Used?
Assisted delivery may be indicated when:
- ✓Labor has stalled in the second stage
- ✓Mother is exhausted and unable to push effectively
- ✓Fetal distress requires quick delivery
- ✓Medical conditions prevent prolonged pushing (heart conditions, etc.)
Forceps Injuries
Improper forceps use can cause:
- ✓Facial nerve damage and paralysis
- ✓Skull fractures
- ✓Brain hemorrhages
- ✓Eye damage
- ✓Brachial plexus injuries
- ✓Spinal cord injuries
Vacuum Extractor Injuries
Vacuum extraction complications include:
- ✓Subgaleal hemorrhage (bleeding under the scalp)
- ✓Cephalohematoma (blood collection on skull)
- ✓Intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)
- ✓Retinal hemorrhage
- ✓Skull fractures
- ✓Scalp lacerations
Standards of Care for Instrument Use
Medical standards require: proper assessment before use, correct positioning of instruments, limited number of attempts (typically 3 for vacuum), abandoning the procedure if unsuccessful, and having C-section capability immediately available.