title: Role of operative vaginal deliveries in prevention of cesarean deliveries.
abstract: Although the number of cesarean deliveries increased from 23% to 34.7% between 1996 and 2006, forceps and vacuum use declined, from 6.3% to 1.7% and 6.8% to 5.5%, respectively. When spontaneous vaginal delivery in the second stage of labor is not a possibility, operative vaginal delivery may be a safe, acceptable alternative to cesarean delivery. We explore indications for operative deliveries and the benefits and risks as compared with cesarean. In addition, we review the barriers to forceps and vacuum use and the importance of continued training to increase the number of providers who are able to safely perform these skills.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Research Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors: Adi
authors: A
authors: Hirshberg
authors: Sindhu K
authors: SK
authors: Srinivas
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007748:Labor Stage, Second; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D009772:Obstetrical Forceps; D018579:Patient Selection; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D020379:Risk Adjustment; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014620:Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods