Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing - The Carter Center

positioned simultaneously to avoid strain on the woman's
lower back and hips. This is uncomfortable position, especially
for a tired woman with a weighty gravid uterus who is in
advanced labour. The woman's legs should not be placed in
the stirrups for longer than is necessary, and the vulval area
should remain covered whenever possible. The minimum
number of staff should be present, and interruptions should be
discouraged she should be tilted towards the left at an angle
of 150 to prevent aortovanacaval occlusion. Preparations
must also have been made for the baby and resuscitation
equipment checked and in working order.
Procedure
The woman's vulval area is thoroughly cleaned and draped
with sterile towels using aseptic technique; the bladder is
emptied. The obstetrician will perform a vaginal examination
in order to confirm the station and exact position of the fetal
head. It is to positively identify the forceps blades by
assembling them briefly before proceeding.
Complications
Failure- Undue force should never be used. If the head does
not advance with steady traction the attempt is abandoned
and the baby is delivered by cesarean section.
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