Part 6 of 6: Alternative to Cesarean Section
Forceps Delivery in Twenty-First Century Obstetrics Practice
Obviously, there is a strong emphasis in this country on pregnancies ending with a healthy mother and baby. There is also clear evidence that the average age of women at their first childbirth is increasing and that the average number of births per woman is decreasing. All of these issues have contributed to the increased frequency of operative deliveries (primarily cesarean births) during the last quarter of the twentieth century.
There are now increasing numbers of health care providers, health care consumers, and health insurance companies who question the high cesarean birth rate and are searching for alternative and safe methods to reduce this rate. In selected cases, it is clear that forceps delivery can, and should, be used instead of cesarean section. When the criteria for forceps delivery are met and when there are appropriate, fetal and/or maternal indications for delivery, such assisted vaginal deliveries are appropriate and safe.