5 Types of Assisted Delivery Procedures in Childbirth

Very few things in life are as joyous as the birth of a baby. However, some women need a little help during the process. Assisted childbirth, commonly known as “instrumental delivery,” is the safest option, ensuring good maternal health. Advanced technology at hospitals can reduce injuries and tackle sudden emergencies effectively.

Take a look at the most common methods of alternative delivery.

Vacuum Extraction

Vacuum extraction was first introduced in 1705, which has now gained widespread use. It is mainly adopted through the course of vaginal delivery.

A vacuum extractor, also known as a ventouse, is a soft plastic or metal cup attached to a handle. This is attached to the baby’s head by suction.

Now, the obstetrician waits until the next contraction. Once the mother has a strong urge to push, the baby is slowly pulled out through the birth canal.

There could be slight bruising, called a cephalhaematoma, or a swelling, called chignon. However, both disappear quickly.

This method is avoided if the delivery takes place before the 34th week. The baby’s head is usually too soft to bear the vacuum pressure at this stage.

Forceps

Obstetrical forceps look like large salad tongs or spoons.

These are used to guide the head out of the tight birth canal. This intervention is required when the child is large, is struggling to exit naturally, or when the mother is exhausted.

It is also useful in case there are obstructions, like a partially dilated cervix or fibroids.

The child might not be able to get enough oxygen supply during the delivery in some cases, which could prove fatal. These complications can be effectively overcome with forceps delivery.

Assisted Vaginal Delivery

Among the numerous medical innovations, the Odon device is one of the most successful ones. It helps to pull out the baby through the genital tract when labor has stopped progressing.

This device is mainly used when the baby is distressed, or the mother’s ability to push is limited. It is safe with only temporary and rare complications, like genital discomfort.

Caesarean Section

Certain conditions require a C-section, such as transverse or breach position, multiple pregnancies, obstruction in the form of a ruptured membrane, uterine complications from previous cesarean births, or large size of the child.

However, unforeseen situations, like preterm labor or slowed contractions, could also require a C-section.

An incision is made on the abdomen, and the baby is removed from the uterus surgically. The mother is required to stay under hospital care until complete recovery from the stitches and related discomforts.

Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC)

Roughly 75% of women undergoing this method have successful deliveries. It reduces the risks associated with multiple C-sections, such as placenta previa.

It can also decrease the chances of excessive bleeding, blood clots, and vaginal infections. If you have had a prior low transverse C-section and are currently pregnant with twins or a single child, you could be the right candidate for VBAC.

The doctor will continuously monitor the child’s heartbeat and movements to ensure fetal well-being. Although you would be pushing the baby naturally, a team of doctors would be ready to handle any emergency that might arise.

Childbirth often does not happen exactly as we plan. However, the best maternity hospital in Chennai, the United States, or whatever country you are in can ensure that expectant mothers face minimum complications while welcoming their little one into the world.

In the face of any complications, such as perineal tears or early water break, assisted delivery can help deliver a healthy baby.