Obstetrical forceps
Obstetrical Forceps
Obstetrical forceps (pronunciation: ob-stet-ri-kal for-seps) are a surgical instrument that resembles a pair of tongs and can be used in childbirth to guide the baby's head out of the birth canal. They are used only during a vaginal birth and not during a cesarean delivery.
Etymology
The term "obstetrical forceps" is derived from the Latin words "obstetrix", which means midwife, and "forceps", which means tongs or gripper.
History
The obstetrical forceps were invented by the Chamberlen family in the 16th century but were kept a secret for over a century. They were introduced to the public in the 18th century and have since undergone various modifications to improve their safety and effectiveness.
Types
There are two main types of obstetrical forceps: the Simpson forceps and the Kielland forceps. The Simpson forceps are used when the baby's head is fully engaged in the pelvis, while the Kielland forceps are used when the baby's head is not fully engaged.
Usage
Obstetrical forceps are used in situations where the mother is unable to push the baby out on her own due to exhaustion or illness, or when the baby is in distress and needs to be delivered quickly. They are also used when the baby is in an abnormal position, such as breech or face presentation.
Risks
While obstetrical forceps can be lifesaving in some situations, they also carry risks. These include potential injury to the mother's birth canal and to the baby's head. Therefore, they should only be used by experienced healthcare professionals and only when necessary.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Obstetrical forceps
- Wikipedia's article - Obstetrical forceps
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