An assisted vaginal delivery is a vaginal birth in which healthcare professionals use specialized instruments to help guide the baby through the birth canal.
The two main methods are forceps delivery and vacuum extraction (ventouse). Assisted vaginal delivery may be recommended when labor has slowed during the pushing stage, the mother is exhausted, or the baby needs to be delivered more quickly.
When performed under appropriate circumstances by trained clinicians, assisted vaginal delivery can safely avoid some emergency cesarean sections.
QUICK FACT
Assisted vaginal delivery is still a vaginal birth; the instrument assists the delivery.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Cesarean section: surgical delivery through incisions in the abdomen and uterus.
- Spontaneous vaginal birth: vaginal birth without forceps or vacuum assistance.
SEE ALSO
- Forceps Delivery
- Obstetric Forceps
- Vacuum Extraction (Ventouse)
- Vaginal Birth
- Labor
