The use of an instrument to aid delivery of the foetus

Indications

• Delay (failure to progress stage 2)
• Fetal monitoring concern
• Maternal cardiac disease
• Severe PET/eclampsia
• Intra-partum haemorrhage
• Umbilical cord prolapse stage 2

For any indication, cervix must be fully dilated

Instrument types

• There are two main instruments used in operative deliveries - the ventouse and the forceps