Giving Birth

Medical Procedures

Sometimes procedures may be needed for you or your baby during birth. The most common are outlined below. You may wish to discuss these with your health care provider ahead of time.

Induction

Induction of labour is used to start labour before it begins on its own. It can be done by:

• breaking the amniotic sac around the baby
• putting a gel into the vagina
• giving medication by IV to start contractions

Induction may be considered if:

• the mother is past the due date. Talk to your health care provider about the risks and benefits of being induced or waiting for labour to start on its own.
• the mother has an illness, such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure
• the baby is not growing well

Episiotomy

An episiotomy is an incision (cut) made in the area between the vagina and rectum. This cut enlarges the space for the baby to pass through the vaginal opening. Freezing is usually given first. After the placenta comes out, the cut is sewn shut with self‑dissolving stitches.

Forceps

Forceps are instruments that are placed around the baby’s head and used to gently help pull the baby out. They can leave red marks or slight bruises on the baby’s head, but these soon fade. An episiotomy may be done before forceps are used.

Forceps are used if:

• the mother has a prolonged pushing stage of labour
• the mother is exhausted and unable to push effectively
• the fetal heart rate slows showing signs of stress
• the position of the baby’s head needs to be changed

Vacuum Extraction

A soft plastic vacuum cup is sometimes used to assist with birth. It is put on the baby’s head and suction can then be used to help pull the baby out. The cup can leave a bruise and swelling on the baby’s head, but this will fade a few days after birth.

A vacuum is used if:

• the mother has a prolonged pushing stage of labour
• the mother is exhausted and unable to push effectively
• the fetal heart rate slows, showing signs of stress
  

Caesarean Birth

A caesarean birth (or C‑section) is the birth of a baby through a cut in your abdomen and uterus. Your health care provider may recommend a caesarean birth to protect you and your baby. A caesarean can be done before or during labour.

A caesarean birth may be performed if:

• the cervix does not open completely
• labour is not progressing
• the baby is too big to fit through the mother’s pelvis
• the baby is in distress (not tolerating labour well)
• multiple babies (twins or triplets) are in difficult positions
• the baby is in a breech (bottom or feet first) or transverse (sideways) position
• the mother has a serious medical condition
• the mother has active herpes lesions on her genitals that make vaginal birth unsafe for the baby
• the mother has had a previous caesarean birth

For more information on caesarean birth, visit the HealthLink BC website.

For information on having a vaginal birth after a previous caesarean birth (VBAC), click here.