Delivery can only be performed before full dilatation of the uterine cervix by caesarean section. Once the cervix is fully open then if the baby’s head is low enough it may be assisted to deliver by forceps or vacuum (ventouse). This may be done because of fetal distress, maternal distress or excessive prolongation of the pushing phase. The woman may request it!

In skilled hands forceps or vacuum are equally safe. There has been a trend in recent years supported by the professional body to favour the vacuum. Whilst there may be an increase in minor trauma to the baby with the vacuum it is kinder to the woman’s tissues. The couple should be involved in the decision as to which instrument to use. There is usually time - only rarely is it an emergency situation.

In most forceps deliveries an episiotomy is necessary: this is not the case in vacuum delivery. After a forceps delivery the baby’s head will appear squashed. This is mainly due to the preceding labour not to the forceps! There may also be forceps marks on the baby’s face. These will disappear in hours or a couple of days.

During a vacuum delivery there is the sound of suction which varies depending on what equipment being used. After vacuum delivery the baby’s head will also appear squashed with a disc-like lump where the vacuum cup was applied.

There is usually a Paediatrician present for assisted deliveries. Forceps are rarely necessary in deliveries before 34 weeks gestation and vacuum is not used because of the relative softness of the baby’s head.

There is usually some stitching to be done after an assisted delivery.