RT Book, Section A1 Shabib, Gihad A1 Black, Amanda A2 Posner, Glenn D. A2 Dy, Jessica A2 Black, Amanda A2 Jones, Griffith D. SR Print(0) ID 1106376830 T1 Operative Vaginal Delivery T2 Oxorn-Foote Human Labor & Birth, 6e YR 2015 FD 2015 PB McGraw-Hill Medical PP New York, NY SN 9780071740289 LK obgyn.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1106376830 RD 2024/03/28 AB Assisted or operative vaginal birth refers to the use of a vacuum or forceps to achieve a vaginal delivery in the second stage of labor. When the decision is being made as to whether or not a birth requires assistance, including the timing and choice of instrument, considerations must include indications and contraindications to the procedure, the maternal or fetal risks of using either instrument, the urgency of the need to expedite delivery, the experience and skills of the birth attendant, and the risks associated with the alternative choice of cesarean section. Assisted vaginal delivery should only be attempted if there is a reasonable chance of success, and a backup plan should be in place in case the attempt is not successful.