Why it's done

A forceps delivery might be considered if your labor meets certain criteria — your cervix is fully dilated, your membranes have ruptured, and your baby has descended into the birth canal headfirst, but you're not able to push the baby out. A forceps delivery is only appropriate in a birthing center or hospital where a C-section can be done, if needed.

Your health care provider might recommend a forceps delivery if:

• You're pushing, but labor isn't progressing. Labor is considered prolonged if you haven't made progress after a certain period of time.
• Your baby's heartbeat suggests a problem. If you are fully dilated, the baby is low in the birth canal, and your health care provider is concerned about changes in your baby's heartbeat, an immediate delivery may be necessary. In such a case, he or she might recommend a forceps delivery.
• You have a health concern. If you have certain medical conditions — such as heart disease or high blood pressure — your health care provider might limit the amount of time you push.

Your health care provider might caution against a forceps delivery if:

• Your baby has a condition that affects the strength of his or her bones, such as osteogenesis imperfecta, or has a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia
• Your baby's head hasn't yet moved past the midpoint of the birth canal
• The position of your baby's head isn't known
• Your baby's shoulders or arms are leading the way through the birth canal
• Your baby might not be able to fit through your pelvis due to his or her size or the size of your pelvis