Forceps delivery - any positivity?

[Nicole237]

Hello! I'm 24 weeks pregnant and so terrified of needing a forceps delivery - particularly needing a episiotomy too! All I've seen are horror stories about bleeding, trauma for the baby and long painful recoveries with no control over your bladder or bowels again! Appreciate it's no one's preference but had anyone had a forceps delivery and not found it as horrific as this? 🙏 seeing statistics that say it's common for 1/3 births for first time mums to end this way so hoping for some slight hope! Thanks

I had my first with forceps. He was fine.
I also had an episiotomy. Was a bit sore to sit down for a couple of weeks but soon healed with no issues.

My first baby I had episiotomy & forceps delivery, one of my biggest fears in pregnancy, but it was absolutely fine! I know some people do have bad experiences but mine was honestly totally okay. A little bit uncomfy for the first 2-3 days but after that I never was even really aware of it, no issues, started running again 6 weeks PP and had no issues with that either. Good luck! X

I had forceps, a small episiotomy which healed uneventfully, and a healthy baby with minimal marks on the head. I was just relieved it was all coming to an end, as labour had been protracted. My bladder, bowel and sex life have been just fine for the 26 years since this happened. I went on to have another child, no forceps needed.

I had ventouse with my first and forceps with my second. Came home the same day as the forceps delivery. No problems at all.

I had ventouse delivery with my eldest DD, not going to lie the stitches weren’t fun but there was no lasting damage to me or DD.
Recovery was quicker than if I’d had an emergency c section

I’m 6 weeks postpartum after an episiotomy and forceps. I honestly feel completely back to normal. I’ve been referred for pelvic physio as that’s standard in my trust after an instrumental delivery but don’t really feel I need it.

I was terrified of an instrumental delivery but the recovery has been so much easier than my previous c section.

Giving birth is a tough experience for your body. I wouldn't fixate on the horror stories. Things can go very well and sometimes they don't but you are lucky to live somewhere where you can access the help needed to ensure the safety of you and your baby.

i had forcep the first time. It’s fine - I didn’t feel anything as there’s anesthetic and the recovery took two weeks. The first week was painful but it recovered very quickly. Don’t stress about it! My advise is to be open minded and as long as you and the baby are well, it’s fine.