Question

You are counseling a 22-year-old G1 who is at 38 weeks gestation. She has been pushing for four hours and you recommend a trial of forceps. She asks whether a vacuum-assisted delivery is associated with a lower incidence of maternal and fetal trauma. Which of the following is less likely to occur during a vacuum delivery?

A. Maternal lacerations
B. Fetal cephalohematoma
C. Neonatal lateral rectus paralysis
D. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
E. Neonatal retinal hemorrhage

Answer 1

A vacuum-assisted delivery is less likely to result in maternal lacerations compared to a forceps delivery.

Step-by-step explanation:

When comparing forceps and vacuum-assisted delivery, it is less likely for maternal lacerations to occur during a vacuum delivery. Maternal lacerations are tears or cuts that can happen during childbirth. In a vacuum-assisted delivery, a vacuum cup is placed on the baby's head to assist with the delivery. The cup applies suction and helps guide the baby out. This method is less likely to cause maternal lacerations compared to forceps, which are metal instruments used to rotate and deliver the baby.