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A study of the effect of rotational forceps delivery on fetal acid-base balance
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, City Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
Objective:
To determine whether Kiellands forceps rotational delivery causes a significant reduction in fetal pH or base excess, as compared to a control group delivered using non-rotational forceps.
Design:
A prospective observational study.
Setting:
A teaching hospital labor ward in the UK.
Methods:
Fetal blood sampling was performed prior to delivery by Kiellands forceps (n = 26) or by non-rotational forceps (n = 24). Following delivery, the umbilical vein was sampled.
Outcome Measures:
The changes in fetal pH and base excess.
Results:
No significant changes in pH were noted in fetuses delivered using Kiellands forceps or in those delivered using Neville Barnes forceps. However, whilst no changes in base-excess were found in the fetuses delivered using Neville Barnes forceps, there were significant changes in base-excess in those fetuses delivered using Kiellands forceps.
Conclusion:
This small study suggests that delivery by Kiellands forceps may result in a significant deterioration in fetal acid-base balance.