Comparison of maternal and neonatal morbidity in midforceps delivery and midpelvis vacuum extraction.

The present study examines the incidence of maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with delivery from the midpelvis using the vacuum extractor when compared with obstetric forceps. Previous studies have failed to minimize the influence of confounding variables such as maternal and neonatal disease and indication for delivery on outcome when comparing determinants of maternal and neonatal morbidity in the two groups. Results indicate that there was significantly more maternal morbidity in forceps deliveries across most variables. There were no statistically significant differences in neonatal morbidity between the two groups except for a higher incidence of inconsequential cephalhematoma in the vacuum group. It is concluded that the vacuum extractor may be a valuable instrument in delivery from the midpelvis and that it should be more widely used in appropriate clinical situations.