Sometimes a little help will be needed to ensure a safe vaginal delivery.

Vontousse

A vontousse is just like a vacuum. It has a cup, which is attached to the baby's head, which then enables the doctor to help pull the baby out. It is considered a better option than using forceps, as it causes a lot less discomfort to the woman, and rarely needs an episiotomy to insert. A baby who has been born with the aid of vontousse may have some bruising to the area where the cup was, and the head may be slightly misshapen because of it. This all goes down within a couple of days.

Forceps

Forceps look like barbecue tongs, and are designed to fit around the side of the baby's head. They can only be used once the cervix is fully dilated and the head descended. Forceps are used when the baby isn't descending as it should, or if it is a breech birth, or other reasons, e.g. total exhaustion. A doctor will gently pull the baby as you contract until the head is delivered. You will require an episiotomy  for this procedure. It is now not used as often as vontousse in the UK. Some bruising may occur to the baby's head with this procedure.