Assisted birth

Assisted births are sometimes necessary to ensure your baby arrives safely.

Your midwife and doctor may recommend an assisted birth if:

• Your baby has become distressed during the pushing stage of labour
• You are very tired and cannot push anymore
• You baby is not making progress through your pelvis.
• There is a medical reason why you should not push for a long time (for example you have heart disease).
• An assisted birth uses either ventouse or forceps to help you give birth to your baby.

If you have any questions about assisted births, please talk to your midwife or discuss at your birth preparation workshop.