Part 1 of 6: Overview
Vacuum Versus Forceps
The decision to use a vacuum extractor instead of forceps in assisted vaginal delivery is based on the clinical situation and the experience and expertise of the doctor. For many physicians, these two instruments are interchangeable, while others feel more comfortable with one or the other. The use of the vacuum extractor has recently increased while the number of forceps deliveries has declined. Therefore, it is possible that a physician may have more experience using the vacuum extractor and this may be a key factor in the final decision. The advantages and disadvantages of these two methods are discussed below.