In the first centuries of the modern era, Hippocrates inaugurated the use of obstetric forceps to be able to extract the baby with his own hands, but it would not be until 1580 when the foundations of the modern forceps would be established. Although there are other studies that indicate that it was invented in England around the year 1600. This device with a shape similar to a double spoon in the form of an X, has been very controversial during the last decades and rightly so.
On the one hand there are the defenders of this apparatus that argue that thanks to it, thousands of lives have been saved, but we have to take into account that there really are a series of inconveniences in its use, such as vaginal tears, fistula formation or the separation of the symphysis, etc.
But we have to keep in mind that there are not only existing risks for the mother, there are also risks for the baby. The use of the forceps can oppress some nerve of the face too much causing a facial paralysis in the baby, that in the most serious cases. In the less serious, the baby may have some bruising and marks on the face, although they disappear in a few days. The forceps have been used for a long time as a tool in the phase of the expulsive, in case of fetal suffering or too long expulsives. It allows you to take and turn the baby's head so that it comes out properly, helping you out carefully, or so it is believed.
Some of the reasons why forceps are used are due to the fact that the baby does not advance through the birth canal and the mother can no longer push, it can also be due to a bad placement. The professional who performs this technique, has to be perfectly trained in its use, and if it does not work, the cesarean section is used.
Today it seems that the use of this tool by some professionals is ruled out, while others insist that its use is carried out with full safety guarantees. There are numerous studies that support the words of who is against and in favor.
