- Two double-crossed, spoon like articulated blades are used to assists in delivery of fetal head.
- Prerequisites: fully dilated cervix, engaged head, vertex or face presentation, absence of CPD, empty bladder and bowel.
- Types are:
- High forceps - biparietal dimension of vertex above ischial spine.
- Mid forceps - vertex at ischial tuberosities.
- Low forceps - vertex distending introitus, use to control and guide head, easiest to deliver.
- Complications are: perineal lacerations, damage to facial nerves of fetus, fetal death, postpartal hemorrhage, cystocele, rectocele, or uterine prolapse.
- Main nursing diagnosis: Fear and risk of injury to both fetus and mother.
- Nursing complications: Closely monitor both fetus and mother during delivery with continual assessment.
