Assisted birth 1
see p. 96
What you need to know •
How each instrumental delivery method is carried out
•
Why an assisted birth may be necessary.
Sometimes medical intervention is necessary. Most methods of assisted birth can only be carried out in a hospital by an obstetrician, and consent will be needed from the woman.
Instrumental delivery Forceps
FT
What: A metal instrument with two handles, and two long thin parts curved at the top. They are similar to tongs. When: •
the baby’s head struggles to get through the birth canal
•
the woman is too tired to push
•
the baby is distressed.
R
Ventouse
A
How: The top is fitted around the baby’s head. An episiotomy (small cut in the perineum) may be needed to allow more space for the forceps. Once the forceps are in place, the doctor will guide the baby’s head out as the uterus contracts.
What: A type of suction cup When:
the baby’s head struggles to get through the birth canal
•
the woman is too tired to push
•
the baby is distressed.
D
•
How: The top is fitted on the baby’s head. As the uterus contracts, the doctor gently pulls to help the delivery.
Revise it!
Remember it!
There are four methods of assisted birth. Create a flash card for each one. Write the name of the method on one side, and the details of when and how it is used on the other side. Check your knowledge regularly.
Forceps and ventouse both work in a similar way and are used when the baby is stuck in the birth canal.
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Revision Guide
Original material © Cambridge University Press 2022. This material is not final and is subject to further changes prior to publication.
