Maternity services
Our hospitals provide maternity care for more than 8,000 women every year
Instrumental birth
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Instrumental birth
Instrumental birth refers to the use of forceps or suction cup (ventouse) to assist birth.
No one plans for an instrumental birth, this is done in an emergency in labour if:
- the baby is taking longer than expected to be born
- there are concerns about the health of you and your baby
- you have been advised not to, or don't feel able to push
An instrumental birth can only be performed if your cervix is fully dilated. This may be performed in the labour room or theatre.
1 in 4 women having their first baby will have an instrumental birth.
Including women cared for in labour at the Sanctuary Birth Centre, Labour Suite and home - spontaneous vaginal birth 51%, instrumental birth 25%, emergency caesaran 17%, planned caesaran 7%.
Less than 1 in 10 women who have had a baby before have an instrumental birth.
Including women cared for in labour at the Sanctuary Birth Centre, Labour Suite and home - spontaneous vaginal birth 68%, instrumental birth 7%, emergency caesaran 9%, planned caesaran.