Forceps Delivery versus Manual Delivery of the Fetal head During Elective Caesarian Section: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Cesarean delivery is the most common and major obstetric operative procedure worldwide and cesarean rate has been continuously increased. Cesarean section is defined as the surgical termination of pregnancy or delivery by operative opening of uterus. This procedure has different techniques to minimize morbidity and to reduce complications. There are, however, important clinical differences between an elective cesarean delivery and a primary cesarean performed during active labor. First, with elective cesarean the lower uterine segment has not been effaced and elongated by the forces of labor and it may be more difficult to create an adequate incision for passage of the fetal head. Second, at the time of elective cesarean delivery the fetal head is commonly "floating" above the pelvic brim (unengaged with respect to the maternal pelvis).