Operative vaginal birth is any birth in which fetal extraction is assisted using obstetric forceps or ventouses. 1 This intervention represents an alternative to address problems during the second stage of labor, bringing delivery to a safe conclusion. 2 Indications for operative vaginal birth can be divided into prophylactic and therapeutic, maternal or fetal (e.g. maternal cardiac disease or non-reassuring fetal status). [3][4][5] Although unknown, the exact frequency of operative vaginal birth is estimated to range between 0.3% and 16%. 1,3,[6][7][8] The selection of the instrument to assist fetal extraction is the result of the interaction of variables such as availability, professional training,
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