Giving birth with forceps can be one way to help the birth process of a baby in normal delivery. This method is usually done under certain conditions, such as labor has been going on for a long time or when the mother is too tired to push.
Forceps are devices used to remove a baby from the birth canal during delivery. The shape resembles a pair of large spoons used to clamp the baby's head and remove the baby from the mother's vagina.
Doctors can use this tool to facilitate the normal delivery process, that is, as long as the mother is still experiencing uterine contractions.
How CFig. Forceps Work?
Before using forceps, the doctor will usually try other methods, such as giving the mother an injection of medicine to strengthen uterine contractions or by giving anesthesia (anaesthesia) to facilitate the process of pushing.
If these methods do not work to support the delivery process, the doctor may consider using forceps.
Before using forceps, the doctor will give the pregnant woman an epidural or spinal anesthetic and place a urinary catheter to empty the mother's bladder.
In order to facilitate the delivery process, the doctor will also perform an episiotomy procedure, namely by making an incision in the birth canal to facilitate the process of removing the baby with the help of forceps.
When Are Forceps Needed?
There are several conditions that make doctors choose to use forceps to help the normal delivery process in pregnant women, including:
- Baby's head position is wrong
- Mother is tired and unable to push or push baby out
- Long or stuck labor
- History of certain diseases, heart disease or asthma
- Bleeding during labor
However, there are also several conditions that make the delivery process with the help of forceps impossible, including:
- The position of the baby's head is unknown
- The baby's shoulders or arms cover the birth canal
- Narrow hips
- CPD (Cephalopelvic disproportion)
- The cervix can't open maximally
In certain cases, the doctor will also perform a vacuum extraction procedure to assist in delivery if the use of forceps does not work. If both techniques are still ineffective to get the baby out, a cesarean section may be needed.
What Are the Risks of Giving Birth with Forceps?
Delivery with the help of forceps can pose risks for both mother and baby. The following are the risks that can occur to the mother when undergoing the birth process with the help of forceps:
- Tear in the perineum
- Injuries or sores on the vagina or uterus
- Difficult to urinate
- Urinary or stool incontinence
- Postpartum bleeding
- Injury to the urinary tract or bladder
- Displacement of organs within the pelvis due to weakening of the muscles and ligaments around the pelvis
- Bleeding and infection
Giving birth with the help of forceps can also pose some risks to the baby, such as:
- Seizures
- Head or face injury
- Cracks in the skull
- Bleeding in the skull
- eye injury
- Facial nerve disorders due to injury
Therefore, the doctor will consider the benefits and risks first before carrying out this procedure.
What are the tips after undergoing the process of giving birth with forceps?
To speed up the recovery process after a normal delivery with the help of forceps, you can do the following tips:
- Apply a warm or cold compress to the painful body part.
- Sit slowly and carefully. If the seat feels hard, use a soft cushion to sit on.
- Avoid straining too hard during bowel movements, because it can put pressure on the wound so that it will feel painful.
- Do Kegel exercises to work your pelvic floor muscles and help with the recovery process.
- Drink enough water and increase your fiber intake.
In addition to some of the tips above, you can also use herbal remedies, such as applying lavender oil to areas of the body that are injured during childbirth.
Research says that lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects that can speed up wound healing. However, first consult a doctor before using it.
If your condition does not improve or there are complaints, such as fever, discharge of pus from the vagina, and the body feels weak, during the recovery period after giving birth with forceps, contact your doctor immediately so that treatment can be carried out immediately.
