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What is a forceps assisted vaginal birth? (Part 2)

Are there risks with a forceps assisted birth?

 In one word . . . yes and the risk aren't just limited to the newborn . . . they can affect the mother as well. According to the Mayo Clinic these risk can include:

To the mother

 Pain in the perineum (the tissue located between the vagina and the anus) following the birth.

Lower genital tract tears as well as other wounds.

Difficulty urinating or emptying the bladder.

Urinary or fecal incontinence which can either be of a short duration or long-term.

Uterine rupture where the uterine wall actually tears which could allow the baby or placenta to be pushed into the abdominal cavity.

If an Episiotomy - a surgical incision made in the tissue between the vagina and the anus - is done, the expectant mother is at a greater risk for bleeding and infection.

To the baby

 Minor facial injuries  resulting from the pressure of the forceps.

Temporary weakness in the facial muscles (facial palsy).

Minor (external) eye trauma.

Although infrequent in occurrence, a FAVB can also cause: 1) a skull fracture, 2) Bleeding inside the skull; or 3) seizures. Although not specifically addressed, it can also trigger hydrocephalus.

Preparing for a forceps assisted birth

Before opting for a forceps assisted birth, your health care provider will likely encourage other means to move the labor process forward. This includes adjusting the level of anesthetic to encourage more effective pushing during contractions. In an effort to stimulate stronger contractions, an expectant mother might be given a synthetic version of the hormone Oxytocin via an intravenous drip.

If all else fails - and a FAVB is necessary - your healthcare provider will explain both the benefits and risk associated with it before proceeding. If you haven't done so already, you will sign a form consenting to the procedure.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Mayo Clinic (2018). Forceps delivery. Retrieved on April 8, 2018 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/forceps-delivery/about/pac-20394207


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What is a forceps assisted vaginal birth? (Part 1)

What is a forceps assisted vaginal birth? 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. Yo...
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