forceps delivery, an obstetric operation in which instruments are used to assist the normal expulsive forces to deliver a baby. Prerequisites to forceps delivery include full dilation of the cervix, engagement of the fetal head, certain knowledge of the position of the head, and ruptured membranes. The blades of the forceps are introduced into the vagina one at a time and applied symmetrically to opposite sides of the baby’s head; the handles of the forceps are pulled together so that the head is held firmly between the blades; and traction force is applied to facilitate vaginal delivery. When the head has been delivered, the forceps are removed and the delivery is completed manually. Because cesarean section is performed more often now than formerly, forceps deliveries are increasingly uncommon. Low forceps pertain to assisted birth in which the head is at the perineum in either the anterior or posterior presentation. Mid forceps are less common and involve application of the forceps above the station for low forceps but where the head is engaged, sometimes with rotation of the head. High forceps are of historical interest only, involving application of forceps to a floating head, and are proscribed in modern obstetric practice. Compare forceps rotation, trial forceps. See also obstetric forceps.
