Assisted Vaginal Delivery

Some women need help to deliver their baby vaginally. This may be due to exhaustion and not being able to push the baby out. Also, the baby can show signs of becoming distressed during birth and the safest thing is to deliver the baby quickly. The midwife and doctor will explain the process to you. A ventouse (vacuum) is a shallow suction cup placed on the baby’s head. This suction helps to get the baby out quickly. Forceps are metal instruments, which look like a tongs. One part of the forceps is gently placed on each side of the baby’s head. You will be told to continue pushing during contractions while the doctor helps you using the ventouse or forceps. An episiotomy is more likely to be performed if you need an assisted vaginal delivery.