Forceps and Vacuum

Forceps or a vacuum are instruments used to speed up a slow birth and help a baby be born through your internal genitalia/vagina while you push. Forceps are tong-like instruments that are placed inside your internal genitalia/vagina on either side of the baby's head and used to gently reposition or pull the baby through your internal genitalia/vagina. A vacuum extractor is a soft cup-shaped instrument that uses suction to fit on the top of the baby's head and is used to guide the baby out of your internal genitalia/vagina as you push. These instruments are recommended when labour is progressing slowly or the baby is showing signs it needs to be born sooner rather than later. See the articles at the links below to understand the differences between the two instruments and to learn more about cases in which they are used.

• National Health Service (UK) - Forceps and vacuum or suction cup assistance during delivery, instruments and outcomes for mom and baby 
• Pregnancy Info - Vacuum and forceps assisted birth
• Baby Center - Assisted birth forceps and vacuum