Soft forceps.
OBJECTIVE
The risk of maternal and fetal trauma and, chiefly, the fear of law suits, have contributed to a significant decline in rates of forceps-assisted deliveries and an increase in rates of cesarean sections, especially in the United States. Our experience with gas-sterilized forceps blades covered with a soft rubber coating--the "soft" forceps--is described.


METHODS
Ninety-six women who required a forceps-assisted delivery for standard indications were randomly allocated to 2 groups. There were 51 women in the regular forceps group and 45 women in the soft forceps group. Low forceps delivery with a Simpson instrument was used in all cases. The groups were compared for fetal injury.


RESULTS
The rates of severe facial abrasion and minimal marking were 4.1% and 61%, respectively, in the regular forceps group and 1.9% and 34% in the soft forceps group.


CONCLUSIONS
The soft forceps may reduce the rates of neonatal facial abrasion and skin bruises. The forceps should be further perfected, as well as vacuum extractors; they should both continue to be part of the obstetrician's armamentarium.
Roshan
D F
DF
NYU School of Medicine, Tisch Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, NYU Program for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA. roshad01@med.nyu.edu
Petrikovsky
B
B
Sichinava
L
L
Rudick
B J
BJ
Rebarber
A
A
Bender
S D
SD
D003288:Contusions / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009772:Obstetrical Forceps / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy