Using something like forceps and vacuum extraction is a fear of nearly every parent. Certain positions or medicines may make it more likely to be needed.
Forceps
There are several shapes and sizes of forceps, but they do look remarkably similar to salad tongs. These are slipped, one at a time, inside the mother's body and then locked around the baby's skull. The practitioner will then pull with the mother's pushes.
Forceps are used in a graded system: high, mid, and low or outlet forceps. When you hear of the forceps horror stories it was usually from the high forceps, which has now nearly universally been replaced by cesarean section.
Mid forceps has mostly been replaced by the use of vacuum extraction and cesarean, leaving only low or outlet forceps to be used.
Forceps have different properties than the vacuum extractor:
- Can be used to turn a baby in a different position (i.e. posterior, etc.)
- Can cause more trauma to mother's tissues
- Can cause less trauma to baby
Vacuum Extraction
Vacuum extraction is a cup like device that is either attached to a suction device on the wall or by a manual suction pump. It is placed on the back of the baby's head and the suction is increased so that the practitioner pulls with the mother's pushes.
Vacuum extractors have different properties than the forceps:
- Can be used higher than forceps
- Can cause less trauma to mother's tissues
- Can cause more trauma to baby
Medications for Forceps & Vacuums
If you do not have an epidural in place your practitioner will probably use either a pudendal block. This is given by injecting medication through the vagina near the pudendal nerves. This takes effect quickly and is very effective at blocking the pain of the procedure, while still allowing the mother to push.
More Information: Other Forceps & Vacuum Extraction in Labor
