| Forceps are hand-held instruments used for grasping | | | | connecting the blades to the handles. |
| and holding the objects. They are similar to tweezers | | | | Forceps delivery is dependent on the level and the |
| and tongs and can be longer or smaller in size. There | | | | position of the head in the birth canal. According to the |
| are more than 700 types, which are used as per the | | | | gynecologists, they are classified into low, mid and high |
| need of the situation. Usually, they are used when | | | | forceps. The low forceps are applied only when the |
| singleton fetus in cephalic position fails to develop. | | | | fetal scalp is visible and has reached the pelvic floor. |
| Another condition can be when the delivery is required | | | | The mid forceps can be used at many points of fetal |
| to be done at its second stage. | | | | head. |
| It is used for the surgery or for medical procedures | | | | It is very important to understand when to use forceps |
| are known as surgical forceps. They are mainly used | | | | so as to avoid any complications. |
| during the delivery of the child. There blades are made | | | | The cervix must be fully dilated and retracted. |
| of rigid material and their contact surface helps in | | | | The operator should know the Pelvis category. |
| grasping the baby’s head. | | | | The head must be engaged. |
| It can be used for grasping dressings, needles or | | | | The membrane should be ripped apart. |
| handling tissues. For handling tissues they have small | | | | The operator should be competent and should not use |
| teeth on their tips so that they do not have to apply | | | | aggressively forceps and vacuum. |
| pressure while handling. The dressing instruments are | | | | There should be adequate facilities and support |
| larger and look very much like tongs. There are four | | | | available for the patient convenience. |
| main components of forceps: | | | | Forceps surgery is an alternative to caesarean |
| 1. Blades: This oval and elliptical blade helps in grasping | | | | delivery. It can be done even when then the baby is |
| fetus. | | | | not in the right position but not in the condition when the |
| 2. Handles: The person operating holds the instrument | | | | head of the baby is towards the vaginal canal. There |
| through the handles and applies traction to the fetal | | | | are many negative aspects it. Yes, it can cause mild to |
| head. | | | | severe metal retardation, skull fractures or even |
| 3. Lock: There are different types of locks available | | | | nerves can be damaged. If there are both positive and |
| and are used as an articulation between the shanks. | | | | negative aspects then sufficient thought and care |
| 4. Shanks: Shanks are either parallel or crossed for | | | | should be taken before using the forceps. |