Forceps in C-Section

[MumToBe2002]

I am 5 months postpartum, and I recently found out that my C-section involved the use of forceps. I was not informed about this. Before my discharge, I was only told to wait 18 months before planning another pregnancy.

I’ve done some research and found that the use of forceps during a C-section increases the risk of rupture in future pregnancies.

P.S. This is my second C-section.

Does anyone have any advice or experience to share?”

Many thanks xx

I can’t really add any advice as I’m not having any more children, but forceps were used in my c section work DC2 and I wasn’t told to wait any longer before having another!

Forceps are only used if necessary so regardless if you were informed or not it’s not like it B would have been an opt in or out option. They are an instrument to assist safe delivery of your baby when the baby’s head is quite low and difficult to access with the hand.
I haven’t heard of the use of forceps increasing risk of future deliveries. What matters is the condition of your uterus. If your surgeon has told you that you are ok for a further section then take heart that it sounds like your uterus is in good condition and you aren’t of any great risk. 18 months- 2 years is the general advice given.

@babytum I did not mean to be informed during the surgery. Don’t you think they should have told me this before discharge? Don’t you think we have the right to know what we underwent and what to expect in terms of recovery, etc.? It’s a very serious decision to make, using instruments in an already high-risk surgery! This is my body, my health, my future. I should have been informed!”

I also needed forceps during a C-section as baby had travelled too far into the birth canal and needed help out. I wasn’t explicitly told they used forceps but they did warn me beforehand that sometimes they need to use. my baby had a bruise on his cheek so figured they used forceps and his newborn assessment commented the same.

I have no idea about the risk of rupture, but I’ve been told to wait 2 years post section.

@DippyDuck19 thanks for sharing your experience.
I just hope it doesn’t weaken my uterus and cause me any issues if I decide on having a 3rd baby!

18 months is the standard advice after any c section I think, not because of forceps.
I had forceps during my c section but the surgeon did tell me once I was in recovery. I got a full run down of how it went and he said he’d had to use forceps, baby had a little bruise on the side of her head from these but not to worry etc. I do agree it’s bad form not to divulge information like that.

I had forceps during my c section, the surgeon did tell me at the time but I'm not sure that's common practice.I do think they should have told you after though. I was told the usual we recommend you wait at least 18 months before becoming pregnant again I've not heard that forceps increases your risk of rupture.

Where have you read that about the use of forceps increasing the risk of rupture OP? I’ve not heard that before and I’d be interested to read it.

What do you mean that a c section is a 'high risk surgery'? C section is a very safe procedure.

I had a c section with forceps. I wasn't explicitly informed, but I heard the obstetrician asking to be passed the forceps during the section. I wasn't told I would need to wait any extra time over and above the usual wait time to try again for another baby.

I have no idea if forceps were used in mine or not as never had any kind of debrief but my understanding is that the main aim of any kind of birth is to get the baby out as quickly and safely as possible. If mum and baby are both OK afterwards then that's a successful birth in my opinion.

They must have needed to use the forceps to get your baby here safely so surely that's the most important thing? I honestly think you are making way too big a thing of this.

I only knew forceps were used in my 2nd C-Sx as DD had a huge bruise on her arm and a cut on her forehead from them.
I would be interested to see see any data on forceps increasing future risks of rupture as I've never heard this.