There is usually no danger. The forceps are smooth metal instruments shaped like two long, thin spoons. To use them, the doctor carefully places the forceps on the side of the baby's head. The doctor then pulls on the head of the fetus as the mother pushes to deliver the baby. When the fetal head is partially out, the forceps are removed. Next, the doctor usually encourages the mother to complete the rest of the labor on her own. Fetal head traction is performed for the same purpose. In this case, the doctor places a plastic cup over the head of the fetus, with the other end connected to a suction device. Again, the fetus is still moved downward into the birth canal using the combined forces of the mother's forceful delivery and fetal head suction.
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