Assisted Vaginal Delivery

Sometimes the doctor must use forceps or a vacuum extractor to help deliver the baby. Forceps are like two large salad spoons. The doctor uses them to guide the baby's head out of the birth canal. Vacuum extraction uses a soft plastic cup applied to the baby's head. Suction keeps the cup in place, and a handle on the cup allows the doctor to assist the baby through the birth canal. The doctor usually makes the choice between forceps or a vacuum extractor.