How common is it use forceps now?

[ErikaMaye]

I spoke to my midwife yesterday when she came round for a normal check up, and told her I'm really worried about having to have them used. She said they tend to use a KIWI instead, which makes me feel a little better, but didn't actually tell me the stats.

Does anyone know?

I might messure DPs head Thank you for being so honest - and you're only as old as you feel!!! (Or as DP keeps telling himself and his mates, as old as the person you're feeling... !!!!)

My first stage rattled along at some pace (dilated to 7cm 2 hours after my first contraction!)but I ended up with forceps after 3 hours of blimmin' pushing for Scotland but....they gave me a spinal block! Could have kissed the anaesthetist when he told me that was what they were going to do!

They gave me the chat about it maybe turning into a c-section if the forceps didn't work but there I was yapping away to the theatre staff, giving a bit of a push and quite frankly they could have taken DD out with a JCB and I wouldn't have felt a thing.It turned out DD was stuck further up than they had realised but 3 tugs and she was out.

I was walking like John Wayne and very bruised and sore afterwards but at the time I was just so relieved that the whole process was coming an end. Apparently protocol now is to leave you 3 hours pushing before intervening as opposed to 2 hours but my hospital were very accommodating to friends who didn't want forceps (and who were a damn sight nearer the finish line than me!).

Interventions are scary when you think about them in the cold light of day but at the time you just go with the flow. (And 80% of mothers who needed forceps for their first delivery don't need them for their second. Though of course thats only helpful if you're on your second pregnancy....)

You won't want to have sex right away after the birth even if you don't have stitches... I don't think... a baby is exhausting at first and attached to your breast (if you bf). But it's lovely! I didn't think about sex at all for a while - wasn't on my radar as we were so focused on this little miracle. I had a full episiotomy and lots of stitches and bruising but when it healed I was ok to have sex. You have to wait until the stitches dissolve, though, of course... which will take time.

For most people sex (and future delivery) is not problematic at all. The stitches do what they're there for and everything heals. You will want to take thing slowly the first couple of times but that's hardly a problem is it?

For some women though sex can be uncomfortable and this indicates that some damage has been done that needs fixing. The key there is to see your GP straightaway and request a referral. There's a whole branch of gynaecology devoted to fixing this kind of thing - by surgical techniques and physio - so even in the unlikely event you do have problems they can be fixed. I don't mean to scare you by pointing this out. It's very, very unlikely - especially as you're quite young aren't you? The perfect biological age for childbirth is something like 19 I think? BUT I don't think we do anybody any favours by pretending the whole thing will be a doddle - that way if something does require intervention people tend to feel a sense of failure and embarassment.

No, I'd much rather have honestly! No point pretending it always goes off without a hitch...

I wasn't planning on having sex straight away (trust him, he's lucky I haven't turned him into a woman ) I was talking wayyy after the birth. Future deliveries are more of my concern in all honesty - although we won't mention the words "other children" to DP unless we want him to have a heart attack ! Not on the cards for a while but still, can't help but think about these things.

I've never had stitches or anything before - the biggest medical proceedure I've had is having a tooth removed when I was seven!! Possibily hence the paranoia.

Yep, am 18. Was worried my condition would combat my age and work negatively, but having spoken to some other ME sufferers, the concesus (sp?) seems to be that its recovery that is hardest.

Again, thank you so so much for being so honest and for taking the time to reply, it really is comforting and easing some of the fears!!

I can only tell you about my experience of a forceps delivery - and it was FINE. I had a biggish baby (9lb 1 oz) who wasn't in a great position for delivery, and after 45 mins or so of pushing, the midwife was concerned about her heartrate, signs of distress so the doc was summoned and it was agreed that she needed to be born sooner rather than later, so I consented for an emergency forceps delivery and also for a C-section if necessary.

I already had an epidural which was topped up in theatre, and the whole process was very calm, under control - I am extremely wimpish person and I wasn't at all afraid. I felt no pain, wasn't aware of the forceps being inserted or any of the aftermath, like being stitched. I had an episiotomy and a 2nd degree tear, and recovered really well - I had no trouble sitting down or anything like that, was out walking with the pram 2 days after birth and feel that I've healed really well.

I'm not trying to play down assisted births but wanted to let you know that it's not always traumatic. I've no negative feelings or memories of my daughter's birth, even though on paper it sounds quite scary.

I had forceps first time round and ventouse second and no long lasting issues whatsoever. Second degree tears both times again healed well and no long term problems and dc2 is only 17 weeks. It just seems i need a little help to push the little buggers darlings out

I'm 11 days on from a forceps/episiotomy delivery and it was a very positive experience. Had used hypnobirthing to get fully dilated but after pushing for 2+ hours, the baby still wasn't out. I was told intervention was required due to the baby's head being at an awkward angle and was prepped for a c-section. One full spinal block later they said they'd give forceps a go first and he was out within minutes. Stitches sore for a few days but I don't feel them now. Only annoyong thing is that I can't swim for 8 weeks or go running for at least 12 weeks, other than that-all fine. Good luck with everything.

I had an episiostomy and forceps with DD as her head kept slipping back and - although I have nothing to compare it to - it was fine to recover from. They refused to tell me how many stitches I had but I had no trouble with them healing and we waited 3 months before resuming relations but that was more psychological than physical. a couple of glasses of wine helped hugely

You'll be fine. The female bosy is amazing and they'll only use intervention if you need it. In a few weeks after you've told your story a couple of hundred times, you'll put it all behind you.

Thank you all, so much, for sharing your stories with me - am glad to hear that all of you and all of your little ones are doing well

I didn't know that you could have a spinal block before they were used, that's some of the worry gone - I was frightened that my body would tense up from the pain if that's what they had to do and it would make it more complicated!

They've said they think he's going to be a bit small, which isn't really a suprise - DP and I are both short arses

Have been listening to my hypnobirthing CDs in preperation. I've been remarkably calm during the scares I've had, so just have to keep my fingers crossed for the same reaction when I actually go into labour!!

Kiwi is like a ventouse but can manipulate position and 'flip' baby round. Friend had it and was v quick.

Erika - hi again - seriously don't panic, its mostly out of your control and you really won't care when you are in the zone... focus on the after bit! I know it is easier said than done but honestly your body is made to do it and you never know whether you are in for an easy or hard one but either way you'll be in good hands and you will be fine.

Don't be scared!