The use of forceps during childbirth has always aroused great controversy. Today it is one of the instruments that are still used to facilitate removal of the baby at the time of delivery. Its functionality is still feasible, although there are still mechanical forms that do not fully meet its expectations, since in this case the fetus can lead to malpractice.
some deliveries need of some kind of mechanical aid and forceps have been used to solve some incidents. If it is observed that the descent of the baby has a good solvency, nothing mechanical will be applied, but if the delivery is exceeded and the moment of expulsion is prolonged, it is necessary to apply the forceps, suction cup or spatula.
When are forceps used?
Its use is only indicated in cases where there is a small complication in expulsion of the fetus during childbirth. It is shaped like two large ladles that are held like tongs. The idea is to place this structure around the baby's head to help get it out. A kind of disinfectant and lubricant gel will be applied so that the total expulsion from your body can be much more bearable.
There are several reasons that can cause this mechanical movement. The expulsive phase can be helped in several of these cases:
- There are deliveries that are costly in time, after pushing for several hours makes the ejection slow. In a case like this, the labor does not progress and the baby is already engaged. Under these circumstances, it is not possible to perform a caesarean section and it is required that the expulsion be vaginally.
- The expectant mother may be too tired to keep pushing, hence it requires a little help.
- There are women who also have a health problem to be able to push hard and end up being dangerous. For example, a heart problem.
- When it is observed that the baby may be beginning to suffer from low oxygen supply, with an altered heartbeat or that is showing signs of stress.
How are forceps used?
the forceps they are the alternative way to be able to attend a birth. It is not necessary to use it just because, you can wait until the last moment to be able to use it with total guarantee and necessity.
It will be used when it is observed that the baby has already progressed far enough down the birth canal and has reached 10 centimeters dilation. The fetus must be completely embedded in the pelvis so that expulsion can be carried out using this type of route.
But if it turns out the baby is already very low, the use of the suction cup is recommended. It is another much smoother and softer mechanism that offers the possibility of not injuring the baby's head.
The curved part of the forceps will be placed over the baby's head. The mother will be asked to help push at the same time that the contraction arrives, in this way the expulsion can be facilitated much better.
When the correct position has been achieved, the rotation of the body will be completed to adopt it to a much more feasible output. Together with the collaboration of the contraction and the push, the output can be complemented with the force that is practiced with the forceps.
Are there risks in its use?
The use of forceps It must be used by an experienced doctor. In this way, all vaginal births will be safe with this type of technique, although some risks may be associated.
Mother can suffer more severe tears in the vagina, where his recovery would be longer. Along with this fact, she would have problems urinating or defecating after childbirth.
In the case of baby head could be deformed into a cone shape, or swell or bruise. It would only be necessary to let it resume for a few days so that its shape and appearance acquire a natural form. The baby's facial muscles can also be affected due to the pressure of the forceps on the nerves.