Ventouse or forceps
In some cases your doctor may recommend assisting the birth of your baby by using either a ventouse or forceps.
This may occur where the second stage of labour (the pushing stage) is longer than expected, where your baby’s head is not in the best position to come through the birth canal or if there are changes to his/her heartbeat meaning that birth needs to happen as soon as possible.
A ventouse is a metal or plastic suction cup that is placed on your baby’s head.
Forceps are curved metal tongs that are placed around your baby’s head.
You will be offered pain relief for an assisted birth, with either local anaesthetic or an epidural. The birth will be managed by an obstetrician, your midwife will be present to help and support you.
Your doctor will gently pull using the ventouse or forceps whilst you push during your contractions. Sometimes several pulls are needed, or if one method doesn’t work, the other may be tried. You are more likely to need an episiotomy, particularly if forceps are used.
In rare circumstances, if neither ventouse or forceps successfully deliver your baby, a caesarean birth might be recommended.
What’s involved in assisted birth?