HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

Assisted Birth In an assisted birth, your health care provider may decide to perform an episiotomy or use a medical instrument ( forceps or vacuum extractor ) to help you give birth vaginally.

Reasons for use • Fetal distress, although baby’s head is low enough in the pelvis to be born quickly • Baby’s head is facing up (persistent posterior position) • You can’t push because of epidural anesthesia • You are too exhausted to push Possible concerns • Forceps may cause temporary bruising on the baby that tends to fade within 48 hours • The suction from the vacuum may cause some swelling of the baby’s scalp • Using a vacuum extractor may increase the chance of jaundice • May cause injury to the vagina, perineum, or anus

MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS

SCAN + PLAY

An episiotomy is a surgical incision between the vagina and anus to widen the vaginal opening and allow more room for the baby to be born or for your health care provider to use forceps to complete the birth. You will receive a local anesthetic to lessen any discomfort during the episiotomy repair (stitches). Using forceps or a vacuum extractor can help guide the baby through the birth canal as you continue to push. Both instruments are considered safe choices.

MIDLINE EPISIOTOMY

FORCEPS

VAGINAL OPENING

ANUS

Forceps are gently inserted into the vagina around the baby’s head.

MEDIOLATERAL EPISIOTOMY

VACUUM EXTRACTOR

VAGINAL OPENING

ANUS

A suction cup is placed on top of the baby’s head.

Chapter 5: Medical Interventions 71