Instruments Used in Giving Birth

In any hospital delivery room, you'll find an array of medical instruments. Many are there so the doctors and nurses can get to them quickly in case the birth has unexpected complications. Some are used at every birth, and some are used only for difficult births.

Fetal Monitors

• Fetal monitors are used during pregnancy and throughout delivery. They can detect stress by monitoring the heart rate of the fetus. During labor, they can also monitor the uterine contractions. Most hospitals and birthing centers use electronic fetal monitoring. There are two kinds: external and internal. External fetal monitors are strapped to the abdomen. One example of such a device uses Doppler (just like weather radar) to record the heart rate of the fetus. Another device measures the length of the labor contractions and the amount of time between them. An internal monitor is another option and is usually only used when indicated by information gathered from the external monitor. It uses an electrode that is passed through the vagina into the uterus and is put on the scalp of the fetus. To measure how strong the contractions are, the doctor may insert a catheter into the uterus. This is only done after your water has broken.

Ventouse

• A ventouse is an instrument that is used to assist in the birth. It is like a vacuum with a suction cup that attaches to the baby's head and helps him travel through the birth canal. It is not used if the baby's position is breech or transverse or if he is premature. It is an option as long as the baby's head has entered the birth canal and the mother is fully dilated. When this procedure is used, it is called a "vacuum extraction" or a "vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery." The mother continues to participate in the birth by continuing to push. It is relatively safe and is an alternative to using forceps. This method is used when the mother is nearing exhaustion, the second stage of labor is not progressing, there are changes in the fetal heart rate during the second stage of labor or there are health considerations of the mother -- like high blood pressure, for example.

Forceps

• Forceps are used to also assist with a vaginal birth, sometimes after ventouse was not successful. They can help turn the baby's head and may be used if mother or baby is distressed or if labor is not progressing. Forceps resemble salad tongs. They are curved and cradle the sides of the baby's head. They can also be useful if your baby is born in the breech position. After the rest of the baby's body makes it through the birth canal, the forceps may be needed to help with the head.

Surgical Kit

• Doctors and nurses always use a surgical kit during delivery. This contains an assortment of things needed in every delivery room. These include but are not limited to: Mayo scissors, Kelly clamps and suction bulbs. Mayo scissors are surgical scissors that are made of titanium or stainless steel. These and the Kelly clamps (a curved hemostat without teeth) are used to cut the umbilical cord. Suction bulbs are used to clean out secretions in the baby's nasal passages and throat.