Assisted Delivery

Most of the time, pushing during labor goes smoothly. But sometimes your body or your baby needs a little extra assistance. If that happens, your care team may recommend an assisted delivery.

This can occur if:

• Your baby’s heart rate or your health suddenly changes and immediate delivery is needed. (Often the baby is already low enough in the birth canal for a vaginal delivery instead of a cesarean.)
• Your baby is turned in a difficult position, such as facing up instead of down.
• Numbness from anesthesia makes it hard to push effectively.
• You’re exhausted and simply don’t have the strength to continue pushing.

When an assisted delivery is needed, your doctor may use either forceps or a vacuum extractor. Anesthesia is given before either procedure. While assisted deliveries are always performed by a physician, you can ask your provider or midwife to talk with you ahead of time so you understand the process.

Forceps

Forceps are instruments shaped a bit like large spoons. They’re gently placed around your baby’s head to help turn your baby or guide them through the birth canal. Forceps are usually used only when your baby is already low in the vaginal outlet. Rarely are they applied higher up.

If you notice small red marks on your baby’s cheeks after delivery, don’t worry — these usually fade quickly.

Vacuum Extractor

A vacuum extractor uses suction applied to the baby’s head to help turn them or guide them out during delivery. Your baby may have a bruise or swelling where the suction cup was attached, but this should gradually fade on its own.

Needing help during pushing doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. Assisted deliveries are tools your care team uses to help make sure both you and your baby are safe. If you have questions or concerns, bring them up with your doctor or midwife — they’ll walk you through what to expect and help you feel more prepared.