Forceps and vacuum are types of assisted vaginal deliveries. These tools are used when mother is not able to push the baby out. As it pertains to forceps, they are used, during the second stage of labor. This is due to the fact mother is usually pushing during this time. The forceps are placed on the baby’s head and used to guide the baby out for delivery.

A vacuum extractor is also an instrument used to assist in delivery. The vacuum extractor is placed on the baby’s head and used to guide the baby through the birth canal. As with forceps, a vacuum extractor is used during the second stage of labor, as this is when mother is pushing.

Injuries can occur when doctors use the wrong amount of force with the instruments or have little experience using forceps or vacuum extraction. Improper use of forceps and vacuum extractors can lead to brain and head injuries:

When doctors decide to use instruments to assist with delivery, they must use care. Doctors should not twist, or use excess pulling of the head or neck when guiding the baby through the birth canal. If delivery does not occur within 15-20 minutes, then doctors should move to a C-Section. In addition, during vacuum extraction, if the cup detaches from the head three times, then a C-Section needs to be the next step. Doctors who do not adhere to these measures risk seriously injuring the baby. Not only can brain and head injuries be the result of forceps and vacuum extraction instruments, the following can occur: