A study of the effect of rotational forceps delivery on fetal acid-base balance.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether Kiellands forceps rotational delivery causes a significant reduction in fetal pH or base excess, as compared to a control group delivered using non-rotational forceps.


METHODS
A prospective observational study.


METHODS
A teaching hospital labor ward in the UK.


METHODS
Fetal blood sampling was performed prior to delivery by Kiellands forceps (n = 26) or by non-rotational forceps (n = 24). Following delivery, the umbilical vein was sampled.


METHODS
The changes in fetal pH and base excess.


RESULTS
No significant changes in pH were noted in fetuses delivered using Kiellands forceps or in those delivered using Neville Barnes forceps. However, whilst no changes in base-excess were found in the fetuses delivered using Neville Barnes forceps, there were significant changes in base-excess in those fetuses delivered using Kiellands forceps.


CONCLUSIONS
This small study suggests that delivery by Kiellands forceps may result in a significant deterioration in fetal acid-base balance.
Baker
P N
PN
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, City Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
Johnson
I R
IR
D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium; D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000295:instrumentation*; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000737:chemistry*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008423:Maternal Age; D009772:Obstetrical Forceps; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014471:Umbilical Veins