Forceps are medical tools that look a bit like oversized salad tongs. Your doctor will use them to gently grip your baby's head and guide them out of the birth canal. You'll need to lie on your back on a slight incline with your legs spread apart for your doctor to insert the forceps and locate the baby's head. When you push, your doctor will gently guide your baby downwards. This is an alternative to vacuum-assisted delivery.
Forceps can also be used to rotate your baby's head if it's stuck in the wrong position.
Your doctor will usually only recommend forceps delivery if you need help during the birth. This can happen if your baby isn't travelling down the birth canal as expected, or if you're struggling to push.
Forceps delivery can help to deliver your baby quickly and safely if they are stuck or in distress. However, much like vacuum-assisted delivery, there's also the risk of the forceps causing superficial injuries or more serious damage to your baby's head. Occasionally, forceps can also cause issues for you, such as short-term incontinence or weakened pelvic muscles.
Reference: Mt Elizabeth Hospital
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