Operative Obstetrics

Operative obstetrics is a subspecialty of obstetrics that focuses on the operative management of labor and delivery. It involves the use of surgical techniques to assist in the delivery of a baby, including forceps, vacuum extraction, and cesarean section. Operative obstetrics is an important skill for obstetricians and may be necessary in certain cases to ensure the safety of mother and baby. Forceps are used to assist in the delivery of a baby who is in the second stage of labor. Forceps are curved metal instruments that look similar to salad tongs. They are placed around the baby’s head and used to help guide the baby out of the birth canal. Vacuum extraction is a procedure that involves the use of a small plastic cup attached to a vacuum pump. The cup is placed over the baby’s head and the vacuum is activated to help guide the baby out of the birth canal. Cesarean section (c-section) is the surgical removal of a baby from the mother’s abdomen. It is performed when labor does not progress normally or when the baby is in distress. C-sections are the most common major surgical procedure performed in the United States.