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| = Obstetrical Forceps = | | {{Short description|Surgical instrument used in childbirth}} |
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| [[File:Forceps delivery. Wellcome L0014443.jpg|thumb|right|500px|Obstetrical forceps used during childbirth.]] | | ==Overview== |
| | | [[Obstetrical forceps]] are a surgical instrument used in [[childbirth]] to assist in the delivery of a baby. They are designed to grasp the baby's head and guide it through the birth canal during a [[vaginal delivery]]. The use of forceps can be necessary when labor is not progressing adequately, or when the health of the mother or baby is at risk. |
| '''Obstetrical forceps''' are specialized instruments employed in [[Childbirth|childbirth]] to assist in the safe delivery of a baby. They provide an alternative to the [[ventouse]] (vacuum extraction) method, offering healthcare providers an additional tool to ensure both maternal and infant safety during delivery.
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| == History ==
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| Obstetrical forceps have a storied history in obstetrics, with their use being recorded for centuries. They have undergone various modifications over time, with the aim to optimize their design for both maternal and neonatal safety.
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| == Design and Features ==
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| Obstetrical forceps typically consist of two metal blades, each shaped to cradle the baby's head. The blades are joined together at one end with a hinge mechanism and have handles at the other end, which the operator holds.
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| [[File:Series of pairs of obstetrical forceps in Holland. Wellcome M0019463EK.jpg|thumb|left|450px|Different parts of obstetrical forceps.]]
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| == Medical Uses ==
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| === Indications for Forceps-Assisted Birth ===
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| Forceps-assisted delivery is not routinely performed but may be considered under the following circumstances:
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| * Prolonged second stage of labor
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| * Fetal distress signalled by abnormal heart rates
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| * Maternal exhaustion or medical conditions that contraindicate pushing
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| * Abnormal fetal position making natural birth challenging
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| === Benefits ===
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| When compared to other assisted birth methods, forceps delivery might have certain advantages:
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| * Potential for fewer maternal injuries compared to [[ventouse]]
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| * Decreased need for [[caesarean section]] in certain scenarios
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| Advantages of forceps use include avoidance of caesarean section (and the short and long-term complications that accompany this), reduction of delivery time, and general applicability with [[cephalic presentation]] (head presentation). Common complications include the possibility of bruising the baby and causing more severe tears than would otherwise be the case (although it is important to recognise that almost all women will sustain some form of tear when delivering their first baby). Severe and rare complications (occurring less frequently than 1 in 200) include nerve damage, [[Descemet's membrane]] rupture,<ref name="ISBN0750652616">{{Cite book|title=Anterior Eye Disease and Therapeutics A-Z |last=Loughnan |first=Michael S. |author2=Adrian S. Bruce |year=2002 |publisher=[[Butterworth-Heinemann]] |location=Oxford |isbn=0-7506-5261-6|page=91}}</ref> skull fractures, and cervical cord injury.
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| * Maternal factors for use of forceps:
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| # Maternal exhaustion.
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| # Prolonged second stage of labour.
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| # Maternal illness such as heart disease, hypertension, glaucoma, aneurysm, or other conditions that make pushing difficult or dangerous.
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| # Hemorrhaging.
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| # Analgesic drug-related inhibition of maternal effort (especially with epidural/spinal anaesthesia).
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| * Fetal factors for use of forceps:
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| # Non-reassuring fetal heart tracing.
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| # [[Fetal distress]].
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| # After-coming head in [[breech delivery]].
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| == Complications ==
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| === Baby ===
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| * Cuts and bruises.
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| * Increased risk of [[facial nerve]] injury (usually temporary).
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| * Increased risk of [[clavicle]] fracture (rare).
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| * Increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage - sometimes leading to death: 4/10,000.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=O'Mahony|first=Fidelma|last2=Settatree|first2=Ralph|last3=Platt|first3=Craig|last4=Johanson|first4=Richard|date=May 2005|title=Review of singleton fetal and neonatal deaths associated with cranial trauma and cephalic delivery during a national intrapartum-related confidential enquiry|journal=BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology|language=en|volume=112|issue=5|pages=619–626|doi=10.1111/j.1471-0528.2004.00508.x|pmid=15842287|issn=1470-0328}}</ref>
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| * Increased risk of damage to [[Abducens nerve|cranial nerve VI]], resulting in [[strabismus]].
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| ===Mother===
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| * Increased risk of perineal lacerations, pelvic organ prolapse, and incontinence.
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| * Increased risk of injury to vagina and cervix.
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| * Increased postnatal recovery time and pain.
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| * Increased difficulty evacuating during recovery time.
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| ==Structure==
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| [[File:Forceps.Smellie.jpg|right|thumb|300 px|Obstetrical forceps, by [[William Smellie (obstetrician)|William Smellie]] (1792)]]
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| [[File:Wooden forceps c.1800, Hunterian Museum, Glasgow.jpg|thumb|300px|Wooden forceps c.1800, Hunterian Museum, Glasgow]]
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| [[File:James Young Simpson's Caesarian forceps, Hunterian Museum, Glasgow.jpg|thumb|300px|James Young Simpson's Caesarian forceps, Hunterian Museum, Glasgow]]
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| [[Obstetrics|Obstetric]] forceps consist of two branches (blades) that are positioned around the head of the fetus. These branches are defined as left and right depending on which side of the mother's pelvis they will be applied. The branches usually, but not always, cross at a midpoint, which is called the articulation. Most forceps have a locking mechanism at the articulation, but a few have a sliding mechanism instead that allows the two branches to slide along each other. Forceps with a fixed lock mechanism are used for deliveries where little or no rotation is required, as when the fetal head is in line with the mother's pelvis. Forceps with a sliding lock mechanism are used for deliveries requiring more rotation.<ref name=Healthline>[http://www.healthline.com/yodocontent/pregnancy/assisted-delivery-types-forceps.html Healthline > Types of Forceps Used in Delivery] February 2006. Reviewer: Douglas Levine, Gynecology Service/Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.</ref>
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| The blade of each forceps branch is the curved portion that is used to grasp the fetal head. The forceps should surround the fetal head firmly, but not tightly. The blade characteristically has two curves, the cephalic and the pelvic curves. The cephalic curve is shaped to conform to the fetal head. The cephalic curve can be rounded or rather elongated depending on the shape of the fetal head. The pelvic curve is shaped to conform to the birth canal and helps direct the force of the traction under the pubic bone. Forceps used for rotation of the fetal head should have almost no pelvic curve.<ref name=Healthline/>
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| The handles are connected to the blades by shanks of variable lengths. Forceps with longer shanks are used if rotation is being considered.<ref name=Healthline/>
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| ===Anglo-American types===
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| All American forceps are derived from French forceps (long forceps) or English forceps (short forceps). Short forceps are applied on the fetal head already descended significantly in the maternal pelvis (i.e., proximal to the vagina). Long forceps are able to reach a fetal head still in the middle or even in the upper part of the maternal pelvis. At present practice, it is uncommon to use forceps to access a fetal head in the upper pelvis. So, short forceps are preferred in the UK and USA. Long forceps are still in use elsewhere.
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| ''Simpson forceps'' (1848) are the most commonly used among the types of forceps and has an elongated cephalic curve. These are used when there is substantial molding, that is, temporary elongation of the fetal head as it moves through the birth canal.<ref name=Healthline/>
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| ''Elliot forceps'' (1860) are similar to Simpson forceps but with an adjustable pin in the end of the handles which can be drawn out as a means of regulating the lateral pressure on the handles when the instrument is positioned for use. They are used most often with women who have had at least one previous vaginal delivery because the muscles and ligaments of the birth canal provide less resistance during second and subsequent deliveries. In these cases the fetal head may thus remain rounder.<ref name=Healthline/>
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| ''Kielland forceps'' (1915, Norwegian) are distinguished by having no angle between the shanks and the blades and a sliding lock. The pelvic curve of the blades is identical to all other forceps. The common misperception that there is no pelvic curve has become so entrenched in the obstetric literature that it may never be able to be overcome, but it can be proved by holding a blade of Kielland's against any other forceps of one's choice. Kielland forceps are probably the most common forceps used for rotation. The sliding mechanism at the articulation can be helpful in [[asynclitic birth]]s<ref name=Healthline/> (when the fetal head is tilted to the side)<ref name="spinningbabies">[http://spinningbabies.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=28 Asyncletism in labor], spinningbabies.com</ref> since it is no longer in line with the birth canal.<ref name=Healthline/><ref name=Healthline/> Because the handles, shanks, and blades are all in the same plane the forceps can be applied in any position to affect rotation. Because the shanks and handles are not angled, the forceps cannot be applied to a high station as readily as those with the angle since the shanks impinge on the [[perineum]].
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| ''Wrigley's forceps'' are used in ''low'' or ''outlet deliveries'' (see explanations below),<ref>[http://www.fpnotebook.com/OB/LD/FrcpsAstdDlvry.htm Family Practice Notebook > Forceps Assisted Delivery] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091004140008/http://www.fpnotebook.com/OB/LD/FrcpsAstdDlvry.htm |date=4 October 2009 }} written by Scott Moses, MD. This page was last revised before 5/10/08</ref> when the maximum diameter is about {{cvt|2.5|cm}} above the vulva.<ref name=pmid10231260/> Wrigley's forceps were designed for use by general practitioner obstetricians, having the safety feature of an inability to reach high into the pelvis.<ref name=pmid10231260>{{cite journal |doi=10.1136/bmj.318.7193.1260 |pmid=10231260 |pmc=1115650 |title=ABC of labour care: Operative delivery |journal=BMJ |volume=318 |issue=7193 |pages=1260–4 |year=1999 |last1=Chamberlain |first1=G |last2=Steer |first2=P }}</ref> Obstetricians now use these forceps most commonly in cesarean section delivery where manual traction is proving difficult. The short length results in a lower chance of uterine rupture.
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| ''Piper's forceps'' has a perineal curve to allow application to the after-coming head in breech delivery.
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| ==Technique==
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| The cervix must be fully dilated and retracted and the membranes ruptured. The urinary bladder should be empty, perhaps with the use of a catheter. High forceps are never indicated in the modern era. Mid forceps can occasionally be indicated but require operator skill and caution. The station of the head must be at the level of the [[ischial spine]]s. The woman is placed on her back, usually with the aid of stirrups or assistants to support her legs. A regional anaesthetic (usually either a spinal, epidural or [[Pudendal nerve|pudendal block]]) is used to help the mother remain comfortable during the birth. Ascertaining the precise position of the fetal head is paramount, and though historically was accomplished by feeling the fetal skull suture lines and [[fontanelle]]s, in the modern era, confirmation with ultrasound is essentially mandatory. At this point, the two blades of the forceps are individually inserted, the left blade first for the commonest [[Cephalic presentation|occipito-anterior]] position; posterior blade first if a transverse position, then locked. The position on the baby's head is checked. The fetal head is then rotated to the occiput anterior position if it is not already in that position. An [[episiotomy]] may be performed if necessary. The baby is then delivered with gentle (maximum 30 [[Pound-force|lb<sub>f</sub>]] or 130 [[Newton (unit)|Newton]]<ref>Derived from the lb<sub>f</sub> value with 1 lbf ≈ 4.45 N</ref>) traction in the axis of the pelvis.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Dennen's Forceps Deliveries |last=Dennen |first=Edward H. |year=1989|edition=3rd |publisher=[[F.A. Davis Company|F.A. Davis]] |location= |isbn=0-8036-2511-1}}</ref>{{Page needed|date=January 2010}}
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| ===Outlet, low, mid or high===
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| {{verify source| healthline link doesn't mention low/high/mid forceps that I can find.|date=May 2017}}
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| The accepted clinical standard classification system for forceps deliveries according to station and rotation was developed by the [[American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]] (ACOG) and consists of:
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| * ''Outlet forceps delivery'', where the forceps are applied when the fetal head has reached the perineal floor and its scalp is visible between contractions.<ref>[http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Outlet_forceps_delivery biology-online.org > Dictionary » O » Outlet forceps delivery] Page last modified 21:16, 3 October 2005.</ref> This type of assisted delivery is performed only when the fetal head is in a straight forward or backward [[Cephalic presentation#Vertex presentation|vertex position]] or in slight rotation (less than 45 degrees to the right or left) from one of these positions.<ref name=healthline>[http://www.healthline.com/yodocontent/pregnancy/forceps-assisted-delivery.html Types of Forceps Deliveries: Outlet, Low, Mid, and High] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100120063459/http://www.healthline.com/yodocontent/pregnancy/forceps-assisted-delivery.html# |date=20 January 2010 }} Reviewer: Douglas Levine. Healthline Pregnancy Guide, February 2006</ref>
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| * ''Low forceps delivery'', when the baby's head is at [[Childbirth#Station|+2 station]] or lower. There is no restriction on rotation for this type of delivery.<ref name=healthline/>
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| * ''Midforceps delivery'', when the baby's head is above +2 station. There must be [[Pregnancy#Third trimester|head engagement]] before it can be carried out.<ref name=healthline/>
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| * ''High forceps delivery'' is not performed in modern obstetrics practice. It would be a forceps-assisted vaginal delivery performed when the baby's head is not yet engaged.<ref name=healthline/>
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| ==History== | | ==History== |
| | The use of obstetrical forceps dates back to the 16th century, with the Chamberlen family being credited with their invention. Over the centuries, the design and application of forceps have evolved significantly. Early forceps were rudimentary, but modern forceps are carefully designed to minimize trauma to both the mother and the baby. |
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| The obstetric forceps were invented by the eldest son of the Chamberlen family of surgeons. The Chamberlens were French [[Huguenots]] from Normandy who worked in Paris before they migrated to England in 1569 to escape the religious violence in France. William Chamberlen, the patriarch of the family, was most likely a surgeon; he had two sons, both named Pierre, who became maverick surgeons and specialists in midwifery.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1136/bmj.39157.514815.47 |pmc=1839178 |title=Keeping mum |journal=[[BMJ]] |volume=334 |issue=7595 |pages=698.2–698 |year=2007 |last1=Moore |first1=Wendy }}</ref> William and the eldest son practiced in Southampton and then settled in London. The inventor was probably the eldest [[Peter Chamberlen the elder]], who became obstetrician-surgeon of [[Henrietta Maria of France|Queen Henriette]], wife of [[Charles I of England|King Charles I]] of England and daughter of [[Henry IV, King of France]]. He was succeeded by his nephew, [[Peter Chamberlen the third|Dr. Peter Chamberlen]] (barbers-surgeons were not Doctors in the sense of physician), as royal obstetrician. The success of this dynasty of obstetricians with the Royal family and high nobles was related in part to the use of this "secret" instrument allowing delivery of a live child in difficult cases.
| | ==Design== |
| [[File:Chamberlen forceps (Malden found 1813) in K. DAS after Kilian.jpg|thumb|alt=Chamberlen forceps as found in Malden|Chamberlen forceps (Maldon)]]
| | Obstetrical forceps consist of two blades that are curved to fit around the baby's head. The blades are joined at a pivot point, allowing them to be locked together. The handles of the forceps provide the obstetrician with the leverage needed to gently guide the baby out of the birth canal. The design of the forceps is crucial to ensure a safe delivery, and there are various types of forceps designed for different situations. |
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| In fact, the instrument was kept secret for 150 years by the Chamberlen family, although there is evidence for its presence as far back as 1634. [[Hugh Chamberlen the elder]], grandnephew of Peter the eldest, tried to sell the instrument in Paris in 1670, but the demonstration he performed in front of [[François Mauriceau]], responsible for Paris [[Hôtel-Dieu de Paris|Hotel-Dieu]] maternity, was a failure which resulted in the death of mother and child. The secret may have been sold by Hugh Chamberlen to Dutch obstetricians at the start of the 18th century in Amsterdam, but there are doubts about the authenticity of what was actually provided to buyers.
| | ==Types of Forceps== |
| | There are several types of obstetrical forceps, each suited for specific conditions during childbirth: |
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| The forceps were used most notably in difficult childbirths. The forceps could avoid some infant deaths when previous approaches (involving hooks and other instruments) extracted them in parts. In the interest of secrecy, the forceps were carried into the birthing room in a lined box and would only be used once everyone was out of the room and the mother blindfolded.<ref>Watts, Geof. 2001. Special Delivery. New Scientist. 21 April 4848</ref>
| | * '''Simpson Forceps''': These are the most commonly used forceps, designed with a long, narrow blade to accommodate the shape of the fetal head. |
| | * '''Kielland Forceps''': These have a sliding mechanism that allows for rotation of the fetal head, useful in cases of malposition. |
| | * '''Tucker-McLane Forceps''': These are used for deliveries where the fetal head is in a transverse position. |
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| Models derived from the Chamberlen instrument finally appeared gradually in England and Scotland in 1735. About 100 years after the invention of the forceps by Peter Chamberlen Sr. a surgeon by the name of [[Jan Palfijn]] presented his obstetric forceps to the Paris Academy of Sciences in 1723. They contained parallel blades and were called the Hands of Palfijn.
| | ==Indications for Use== |
| [[File:Palfyn hands (1753) in Witowski after Kilian.jpg|thumb|left|300px|alt=Palfyn hands in different versions| Palfijn "hands" in different versions]]
| | Obstetrical forceps are used in various situations, including: |
| These "hands" were possibly the instruments described and used in Paris by Gregoire father and son, Dussée, and Jacques Mesnard.<ref>1886. The Last Lyons Forceps. The Medical News. 2 January 14</ref> [[File:Dussee Forceps with two locks - in K. DAS.jpg|thumb|alt=Dussee forceps with its two different locks|Dussee French forceps (circa 1725) with two different locks]]
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| In 1813, Peter Chamberlen’s midwifery tools were discovered at [[Woodham Mortimer]] Hall near [[Maldon, Essex|Maldon]] (UK) in the attic of the house. The instruments were found along with gloves, old coins and trinkets.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(02)86183-9 |title=Lectures on the Mechanism and Management of Natural and Difficult Labours |journal=The Lancet |volume=46 |issue=1140 |pages=57–61 |year=1845 |last1=Murphy |first1=Edwardw |url=https://zenodo.org/record/1622349 }}</ref> The tools discovered also contained a pair of forceps that were assumed to have been invented by the father of Peter Chamberlen because of the nature of the design.<ref>Aveling, J.H. 1882. The Chamberlens and the Midwifery Forceps 224</ref>
| | * '''Prolonged Second Stage of Labor''': When labor is not progressing, and the mother is exhausted. |
| | * '''Fetal Distress''': When the baby shows signs of distress and needs to be delivered quickly. |
| | * '''Maternal Exhaustion''': When the mother is unable to push effectively due to fatigue. |
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| The Chamberlen family's forceps were based on the idea of separating the two branches of "sugar clamp" (as those used to remove "stones" from bladder), which were put in place one after another in the birth canal. This was not possible with conventional tweezers previously tested. However, they could only succeed in a maternal pelvis of normal dimensions and on fetal heads already well engaged (i.e. well lowered into maternal pelvis). Abnormalities of pelvis were much more common in the past than today, which complicated the use of Chamberlen forceps. The absence of pelvic curvature of the branches (vertical curvature to accommodate the anatomical curvature of maternal sacrum) prohibited blades from reaching the upper-part of the pelvis and exercising traction in the natural axis of pelvic excavation. | | ==Procedure== |
| | The use of forceps requires skill and experience. The obstetrician must carefully position the blades around the baby's head, ensuring that they do not cause injury. Once the forceps are in place, gentle traction is applied to assist the delivery. The procedure is typically performed under regional anesthesia to minimize discomfort for the mother. |
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| In 1747, French obstetrician [[Andre Levret]], published ''Observations sur les causes et accidents de plusieurs accouchements laborieux'' (''Observations on the Causes and Accidents of Several difficult Deliveries''), in which he described his modification of the instrument to follow the ''curvature'' of the maternal pelvis, this "pelvic curve" allowing a grip on a fetal head ''still high'' in the pelvic excavation, which could assist in more difficult cases.
| | ==Risks and Complications== |
| [[File:Forceps de Levret - 1747 - la courbure pelvienne.pdf|thumb|alt=the first illustration of Levret's pelvic curve|First illustration of Levret's pelvic curve – 1747]]
| | While forceps can be lifesaving, their use is not without risks. Potential complications include: |
| This improvement was published in 1751 in England by [[William Smellie (obstetrician)|William Smellie]] in the book ''A Treatise on the theory and practice of midwifery''. After this fundamental improvement, the forceps would become a common obstetrical instrument for more than two centuries.
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| [[File:Forceps français (type Levret-Baudelocque) 1860.jpg|thumb|left|alt= French forceps, Levret-Baudelocque type (1760–1860)|French forceps, Levret-Baudelocque type (1760–1860) with perforator and hook at the end of the handles]]
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| The last improvement of the instrument was added in 1877 by a French obstetrician, Stephan Tarnier in "descriptions of two new forceps." This instrument featured a ''traction system'' misaligned with the instrument itself, sometimes called the "third curvature of the forceps". This particularly ingenious traction system, allowed the forceps to exercise traction on the head of the child following ''the axis of the maternal pelvic excavation'', which had never been possible before.
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| [[File:Forceps a tracteur. Tarnier (1877 France) et Dewey (1900 GB et USA).JPG|thumb|right|alt=Tarnier forceps with tractor handle (1877) and USA Dewey model (1900)|Tarnier forceps with tractor handle (1877) and USA Dewey model (1900)]]
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| Tarnier's idea was to "split" mechanically the grabbing of the fetal head (between the forceps blades) on which the operator does not intervene after their correct positioning, from a mechanical accessory set on the forceps itself, the "tractor" on which the operator exercises traction needed to pull down the fetal head in the correct axis of the pelvic excavation. Tarnier forceps (and its multiple derivatives under other names) remained the most widely used system in the world until the development of the [[cesarean section]].
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| [[File:Hodge Forceps - USA (1833).jpg|thumb|alt=Hodge forceps derived from French Levrret type forceps|Hodge "Eclectic" forceps – USA (1833)]]
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| [[File:Elliott Forceps - USA (1860).JPG|thumb|center|alt=American Elliott forceps|Elliott forceps with "pressure regulating" screw at the end of handles – USA (1860)]]
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| Forceps had a profound influence on obstetrics as it allowed for the speedy delivery of the baby in cases of difficult or obstructed labour. Over the course of the 19th Century, many practitioners attempted to redesign the forceps, so much so that the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists' collection has several hundred examples.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Robson, Steve|year=2009|url=http://eprints.jcu.edu.au/17236/ |title=Forceps Delivery: Science Wears its Art on its Sleeve|journal= O&G |pages= 19–20|volume=11 |issue=4}}</ref> In the last decades, however, with the ability to perform a [[cesarean section]] relatively safely, and the introduction of the [[ventouse]] or vacuum extractor, the use of forceps and training in the technique of its use has sharply declined.
| | * '''For the Baby''': Bruising, facial nerve injury, or skull fractures. |
| | * '''For the Mother''': Vaginal tears, increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage, or pelvic floor injury. |
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| ===Historical role in the medicalisation of childbirth=== | | ==Alternatives== |
| The introduction of the obstetrical forceps provided huge advances in the medicalisation of childbirth. Before the eighteenth century, childbirth was thought of as a medical phase that could be overseen by a female relative. Usually if a doctor had to get involved that meant something had gone wrong. Around this era, (eighteenth century) there were no female doctors. Since males were only exclusively called in under extreme circumstances, the act of childbirth was thought to better known to a midwife or female relative rather than a male doctor. Usually the male doctor’s job was to save the mother’s life if, for example, the baby had become stuck on his or her way exiting the mother. Before the obstetrical forceps, this had to be done by cutting the baby out piece by piece. In other cases, if the baby was deemed undeliverable, then the doctor would use an item called a crochet. This was used to crush the baby’s skull allowing the baby to be pulled out of the mother’s womb. Still in other cases, a caesarean section (c section) could be performed, but this would almost always result in the mother’s death. "In addition, women who had forceps deliveries had shorter after childbirth complications than those who had caesarean sections performed."<ref name=pmid15166069>{{cite journal |doi=10.1136/bmj.328.7451.1302 |pmid=15166069 |pmc=420176 |title=Forceps delivery in modern obstetric practice |journal=BMJ |volume=328 |issue=7451 |pages=1302–5 |year=2004 |last1=Patel |first1=Roshni R |last2=Murphy |first2=Deirdre J }}</ref> These procedures came with various risks to the mother’s health along with the death of the baby. However, with the introduction of the obstetrical forceps the male doctor had a more important role. In many cases, they could actually save the baby’s life if called early enough. Although the use of the forceps in childbirth came with its own set of risks, the positives included a significant decrease in risk to the mother, a decrease in child morbidity, and a decrease risk to the baby. The forceps gave male doctors a way to deliver babies. Since the forceps in childbirth were made public around 1720, they gave male doctors a way to assist and even oversee childbirths. Around this time, in large cities some notable being London and Paris, some men would become devoted to obstetrical practices. It became stylish among wealthy women of the era to have their childbirth overseen by male midwives. A notable male midwife was William Hunter. He popularised obstetrics. "In 1762, he was appointed as obstetrician to Queen Charlotte."<ref name=pmid23885296>{{cite journal |doi=10.1177/2042533313478412 |pmid=23885296 |pmc=3704058 |title=The birth of forceps |journal=[[JRSM Short Reports]] |volume=4 |issue=7 |pages=1–4 |year=2013 |last1=Sheikh |first1=Sukhera |last2=Ganesaratnam |first2=Inithan |last3=Jan |first3=Haider }}</ref> In addition, with the use of forceps, male doctors invented lying in hospitals to provide safe, somewhat advanced obstetrical care because of the use of the obstetrical forceps.
| | In some cases, a [[cesarean section]] may be considered as an alternative to forceps delivery, especially if the risks of using forceps are deemed too high. |
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| ===Historical complications=== | | ==Related pages== |
| Child birth was not considered a medical practice before the eighteenth century. It was mostly overseen by a midwife, mother, stepmother, neighbor, or any female relative. "Around the 19th and 20th Century, childbirth was considered dangerous for women."<ref name=pmid12151591>{{cite journal |doi=10.1136/pmj.78.919.311 |pmid=12151591 |pmc=1742346 |title=The start of life: A history of obstetrics |journal=[[Postgraduate Medical Journal]] |volume=78 |issue=919 |pages=311–5 |year=2002 |last1=Drife |first1=J }}</ref> With the introduction of obstetrical forceps, this allowed non-medical professionals, such as the aforementioned individuals, to continue to oversee childbirths. In addition, this gave some of the public more comfort in trusting childbirth oversight to common people. However, the introduction of obstetrical forceps also had a negative effect, because there was no medical oversight of childbirth by any kind of medical professional, this exposed the practice to unnecessary risks and complications for the fetus and mother. These risks could range from minimal effects to lifetime consequences for both individuals. The baby could develop cuts and bruises in various body parts due to the forcible squeezing of his or her body through the mother’s vagina. In addition, there could be bruising on the baby’s face if the forceps' handler were to squeeze too tight. In some extreme cases, this could cause temporary or permanent facial nerve injury. Furthermore, if the forceps' handler were to twist his or her wrist while the grip was on the baby’s head, this would twist the baby’s neck and cause damage to a cranial nerve, resulting in strabismus. In rare cases, a clavicle fracture to the baby could occur. The addition of obstetrical forceps came with complication to the mother during and after childbirth. The use of the forceps gave rise to an increased risk in cuts and lacerations along the vaginal wall. This, in turn, would cause an increase in post-operative recovery time and increase the pain experienced by the mother. In addition, the use of forceps could cause more difficulty evacuating during the recovery time as compared to a mother who did not use the forceps. While some of these risks and complications were very common, in general, many people overlooked them and continued to use them.
| | * [[Childbirth]] |
| | * [[Cesarean section]] |
| | * [[Vaginal delivery]] |
| | * [[Fetal distress]] |
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| ==See also==
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| * [[Instruments used in general surgery]]
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| == Considerations and Risks ==
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| While forceps-assisted delivery can be beneficial, several considerations and risks are associated with the procedure:
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| * '''Operator Skill''': The success and safety of a forceps delivery largely depend on the expertise and experience of the healthcare professional.
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| * '''Potential for Injury''': There's a possibility of minor injuries to the baby's face or head, though these usually heal quickly.
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| * '''Maternal Injuries''': Forceps delivery can lead to maternal injuries, including tears and bruising.
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| == Conclusion ==
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| The use of obstetrical forceps, when indicated and performed by a skilled professional, can be a vital tool in ensuring the safety of both mother and baby during childbirth. It is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and to consider individual patient circumstances.
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| [[Category:Medicine]]
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| [[Category:Obstetrics]] | | [[Category:Obstetrics]] |
| [[Category:Surgical Instruments]]
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| ==External links==
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| * [http://www.glowm.com/resource_type/resource/skills/title/forceps-delivery/resource_doc/1515 GLOWM video demonstrating forceps delivery technique]
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| {{Obstetrical procedures}}
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| {{DEFAULTSORT:Forceps in Childbirth}}
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| [[Category:Equipment used in childbirth]]
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| [[Category:Obstetrical procedures]]
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| [[Category:Medical equipment]]
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| [[Category:Surgical instruments]] | | [[Category:Surgical instruments]] |
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Surgical instrument used in childbirth
Overview
Obstetrical forceps are a surgical instrument used in childbirth to assist in the delivery of a baby. They are designed to grasp the baby's head and guide it through the birth canal during a vaginal delivery. The use of forceps can be necessary when labor is not progressing adequately, or when the health of the mother or baby is at risk.
History
The use of obstetrical forceps dates back to the 16th century, with the Chamberlen family being credited with their invention. Over the centuries, the design and application of forceps have evolved significantly. Early forceps were rudimentary, but modern forceps are carefully designed to minimize trauma to both the mother and the baby.
Design
Obstetrical forceps consist of two blades that are curved to fit around the baby's head. The blades are joined at a pivot point, allowing them to be locked together. The handles of the forceps provide the obstetrician with the leverage needed to gently guide the baby out of the birth canal. The design of the forceps is crucial to ensure a safe delivery, and there are various types of forceps designed for different situations.
Types of Forceps
There are several types of obstetrical forceps, each suited for specific conditions during childbirth:
- Simpson Forceps: These are the most commonly used forceps, designed with a long, narrow blade to accommodate the shape of the fetal head.
- Kielland Forceps: These have a sliding mechanism that allows for rotation of the fetal head, useful in cases of malposition.
- Tucker-McLane Forceps: These are used for deliveries where the fetal head is in a transverse position.
Indications for Use
Obstetrical forceps are used in various situations, including:
- Prolonged Second Stage of Labor: When labor is not progressing, and the mother is exhausted.
- Fetal Distress: When the baby shows signs of distress and needs to be delivered quickly.
- Maternal Exhaustion: When the mother is unable to push effectively due to fatigue.
Procedure
The use of forceps requires skill and experience. The obstetrician must carefully position the blades around the baby's head, ensuring that they do not cause injury. Once the forceps are in place, gentle traction is applied to assist the delivery. The procedure is typically performed under regional anesthesia to minimize discomfort for the mother.
Risks and Complications
While forceps can be lifesaving, their use is not without risks. Potential complications include:
- For the Baby: Bruising, facial nerve injury, or skull fractures.
- For the Mother: Vaginal tears, increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage, or pelvic floor injury.
Alternatives
In some cases, a cesarean section may be considered as an alternative to forceps delivery, especially if the risks of using forceps are deemed too high.
Related pages
