Fetal and maternal effects of forceps and vacuum extraction

Abstract

Summary. Between 1976 and 1984, 223 forceps deliveries were compared with the next vacuum extraction that occurred in the labour ward. The groups did not differ in gestational age, parity, presentation and station of fetal head at start of the delivery, infant birthweights, or the indication for the procedure. Of the forceps deliveries, 66% were performed by a specialist, compared with only 16% of the vacuum extractions. Maternal complications were equally common in both groups. Severe birth canal trauma occurred in 7% of each group. Low 1‐min Apgar scores (<7) were found significantly (P<0.0l) more often in the vacuum extraction group (36 infants) than in the forceps group (17 infants).Cephalohaematomas and scalp lesions, neonatal jaundice and clavicular fracture were all significantly less common after forceps than after vacuum extraction. One infant in the vacuum group had a cranial fracture.