Managing Complications in Pregnancy and Childbirth: - IAWG

FORCEPS DELIVERY P-33• Review for conditions:- vertex presentation or face presentation with chin-anterior orentrapped after-coming head in breech delivery (page P-41);- cervix fully dilated;- head at +2 or +3 station or 0/5 palpable.At a minimum, the sagittal suture should be in the midline and straight,guaranteeing an occiput anterior or occiput posterior position.• Provide emotional support and encouragement. If necessary, use apudendal block (page P-3).• Assemble the forceps before application. Ensure that the parts fittogether and lock well.• Lubricate the blades of the forceps.• Wearing high-level disinfected gloves, insert two fingers of theright hand into the vagina on the side of the fetal head. Slide theleft blade gently between the head and fingers to rest on the sideof the head (Fig P-10).A biparietal, bimalar application is the only safe application.FIGURE P-10Applying the left blade of the forceps• Repeat the same manoeuvre on the other side, using the left handand the right blade of the forceps (Fig P-11, page P-34).