Operative Vaginal Delivery

Operative Vaginal Delivery (OVD) is a procedure that is used to facilitate the delivery of a fetus through the cervix and vagina. It is typically used when a vaginal delivery is likely, but the obstetrician needs to use instruments to assist the delivery. OVD is rarely used in the United States due to the availability of alternatives such as cesarean section (C-section). The most common instruments used for OVD are forceps or vacuum extractors. Forceps are a pair of curved metal blades that are placed on either side of the baby’s head to help guide it through the birth canal. Vacuum extractors are a suction cup applied to the baby’s head to help pull the baby out. The primary indication for OVD is a prolonged second stage of labor. This is usually defined as more than two hours of pushing, or more than three hours if the mother has had an epidural. Other indications may include a non-reassuring fetal heart rate, fetal malposition, or maternal exhaustion. The benefits of OVD include a shorter pushing phase and a quicker delivery, which reduces the risk of maternal exhaustion and fetal distress.