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Advanced Birth Planning guide

Assisted Vaginal Birth: Ventouse or Forceps

When an assisted birth may be recommended, how consent is obtained and what recovery and newborn checks may involve.

Specialist-depth overview
10–12 min readUpdated 21 July 2026Evidence-informed patient education

Ventouse or forceps may be recommended when birth needs assistance because of fetal wellbeing, prolonged pushing, maternal exhaustion or a need to shorten the second stage. The safest option depends on the baby’s position, how low the head is and the urgency of birth.

The clinician should explain why assistance is recommended and the reasonable alternatives.
An examination confirms that the cervix is fully dilated, the head position is known and assisted birth is likely to succeed.
A backup plan is discussed in case the attempt is unsuccessful.
Original educational diagram for Assisted Vaginal Birth: Ventouse or Forceps
Original educational diagram created for this topic. It explains the care pathway visually and is not a diagnostic image.

Why assistance may be needed

Reasons include concern about the fetal heart rate, a long second stage, maternal medical conditions or difficulty pushing effectively. The urgency affects how much time is available for discussion, but consent and explanation remain important.

Choosing ventouse or forceps

Choice depends on fetal position, gestation, degree of rotation, maternal anatomy and operator experience. Pain relief, episiotomy and the possibility of moving to theatre should be discussed.

Maternal and newborn recovery

Temporary marks on the baby, scalp swelling or bruising can occur. Maternal recovery may include perineal pain, stitches and bladder or bowel symptoms. Examination for significant tears and appropriate follow-up are important.

Future births

Many people can have an uncomplicated vaginal birth in a later pregnancy. A postnatal debrief can clarify why assistance was needed and whether any specific planning is recommended next time.

Questions worth discussing at your consultation

  • Why is assisted birth recommended now?
  • What are the alternatives, including caesarean birth?
  • Who will perform the procedure and what is the backup plan?
  • What follow-up is recommended for pelvic-floor or perineal symptoms?
When to seek urgent careAfter birth, seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, worsening severe pain, fever, inability to pass urine, loss of bowel control, severe headache or concern that the baby is unusually sleepy or feeding poorly.
Medical note: This page is educational and is structured to support a specialist consultation. Diagnosis, investigations and treatment must be individualised. It has not been presented as a substitute for an examination or emergency assessment.