rotational forceps

[Claire98909]

I've heard that there are these things called rotational forceps that are different from regular delivery forceps.  I've also heard horror stories about them.

Does anybody know why they're so bad/painful?

[katelove]

The only difference in the structure of the actual instrument is the way the two halves come together. Non-rotational forceps lock together at the junction and rotational forceps have a sliding junction ( this info is all available via a simple google search BTW).

Performing a manual rotation can be very painful if the woman doesn't have regional anaesthetic in place first.

It's not commonly done where I am these days as most people go straight to c/s. The risks to he babe are a cerebral bleed or cervical spine injury. Neither are especially common but with most facilities having such ready access to theatre services that is usually the preference.

ETA - if you are hearing horror stories it's probably for the same reason you hear horror stories about anything. The bad stuff sticks in people's minds and most people love to repeat a good horror story. I'm not saying that there have been no negative outcomes from rotational forcep use ( that's why we don't use the much anymore) but most things will be exaggerated in the telling, especially if you're hearing it third+ hand.

I don't suppose you'll come back to this thread to comment on why you ask?