A forceps assisted vaginal birth or FAVB is used if the labor is not progressing or the baby's safety is dependent on an immediate delivery. (Mayo Clinic, 2018) it involves your health care provider (it can be either the OB/Gyn or a midwife) applying forceps - which resemble a set of large spoons or salad tongs - to assist in guiding the baby out of the birth canal. It is typically done during a contraction as the mother pushes. If it fails, the only other option is to do a cesarean delivery commonly known as a c-section.
Stages of childbirth
Why is a FAVB done?
A FAVB might (italicized emphasis added) be considered if your labor meets three (3) specific criteria: 1) Your cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm (3.937 inches); 2) The amniotic membrane has ruptured (referred to as "water breaking"); and 3) The baby has descended into the birth canal in a head down (normal) position, however, the mother is unable to push. Your healthcare provider might recommend a forcep assisted birth in the event of the following circumstances:
The mother is pushing, but the labor isn't progressing. Even in cases of first time birth, labor is considered stalled if the mother has pushed for a period of two to three hours without any progress toward delivery. In cases where the mother has given birth previously, labor is considered stalled if she has pushed for one to two hours without any progress.
The fetal heartbeat suggest a problem. If the OB/Gyn or midwife is concerned about changes in the baby's heartbeat, and feels an immediate delivery is necessary, he/she might suggest a forcep assisted birth.
If the expectant mother has an immediate health concern. For example my mom's blood pressure the night she went into labor with me, was 200+/100+. In such cases, to limit physical exertion, your health care provider might recommend a FAVB.
The baby is facing the wrong direction. A forceps assisted delivery might be necessary if the baby is facing up (occiput posterior position) rather than down (occiput anterior position).
Keep in mind that when a forceps assisted delivery is recommended, a c-section is also usually an option. It should be noted that there are certain circumstances where a forceps assisted birth is not advisable including:
Certain disorders that cause bone weakness or bleeding disorders. For example, if the baby has been diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (a genetic disorder that causes the bones to break easily often with no apparent cause). (Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, N.D.) Likewise, bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, where blood does not clot properly due to a lack of specific proteins known as clotting factors.
Positional or size issues such as the baby's head having not moved past the mid-point in the birth canal or due to their shoulder and/or arms leading the way through the birth canal.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Mayo Clinic (2016). Water breaking: understanding this sign of labor. Retrieved on April 6, 2018 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/water-breaking/art-20044142
Mayo Clinic (2018). Hemophilia. Retrieved on April 7, 2018 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemophilia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373327
Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (N.D.) Fast facts on osteogenesis imperfecta retrieved on April 7, 2018 from http://www.oif.org/site/PageServer?pagename=fastfacts
Mayo Clinic (2018). Hemophilia. Retrieved on April 7, 2018 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemophilia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373327
Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (N.D.) Fast facts on osteogenesis imperfecta retrieved on April 7, 2018 from http://www.oif.org/site/PageServer?pagename=fastfacts
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