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Published on: August 15, 2018
Maternal and neonatal immediate effects of sequential delivery
Sónia Barata1, Edite Cardoso, Susana Ferreira Santo
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Santa Maria University Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal. baratasonia@gmail.com
Summary
Sequential instrumental delivery, using vacuum and forceps, increases maternal complications. This method does not appear to raise neonatal complications compared to using a single instrument.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Neonatal Outcomes
Background:
- Instrumental delivery is a common obstetric procedure.
- The choice of instrument (vacuum or forceps) or sequential use may impact maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare immediate maternal and neonatal outcomes of sequential instrumental delivery (vacuum plus forceps) versus single instrument use (vacuum or forceps).
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal observational study of term singleton pregnancies in vertex presentation.
- Categorized deliveries into three groups: vacuum only, forceps only, and sequential (vacuum then forceps).
- Evaluated immediate maternal and neonatal morbidity.
Main Results:
- A total of 275 instrumental deliveries were analyzed.
- Sequential delivery was associated with significantly higher maternal morbidity (p < 0.001) compared to single instrument use.
- No significant association was found between instrument type and immediate neonatal morbidity (4.4% overall).
Conclusions:
- Sequential instrumental delivery is linked to increased maternal morbidity.
- The use of sequential instruments does not appear to increase neonatal morbidity.
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