Obstetric Forceps – Is it really a dying art?

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Heba M Ismail Mahdy

OBGYN Specialist, Canada

: Androl Gynecol: Curr Res

Abstract

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Use of forceps in delivering babies is on the decline. Although physicians continue to be trained in how to use forceps while they are in medical school and residency, they have fewer opportunities to practice the technique, especially in emergency situations. The aim of this talk is to critically appraise the role of obstetric forceps in modern practice and to emphasize its importance in the modern obstetric practice in certain obstetric situations. Increased rates of cesarean sections are currently very alarming worldwide. Bringing this topic for discussion is going to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, commissioners and stakeholders to revisit the importance of keeping this amazing skill in the hands of the currently practicing obstetricians. It will not only help to save babies, but also helps to save mothers from unnecessary caesarean sections in certain situations. On the other hand, discussing how to avoid complications related to the use of obstetric forceps was the main reason behind declining the use of obstetric forces. Using newer biomedical technology to manufacture less traumatic obstetric forceps to gauge pressure on the fetal head may be another influencing factor in the decision making process to bring obstetric forceps into modern practice again. In conclusion, obstetric forceps should never been a dying art. And we need to maintain the skills with a great emphasis on safety.

Biography

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Heba M Ismail Mahdy is an OBGYN Specialist & Clinical fellow of Gyne-oncology at KAAUH. He has completed MBBCh, DOWH, MRCPI and a diploma in Women’s Health & Obstetrics, RCPI. He is a Certified member of the RCPI (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland), Academic Instructor SOGS (Saudi Obstetrics & Gynecology Society), ALSO & BLSO Instructor (Advanced & Basic Life support in Obstetrics) and CTG tutor. He worked for 6 years as Clinical & Academic Instructor, 3 years as OBGYN Specialist and 4 years as OBGYN Resident. He is fond of medical education, teaching and innovative in teaching approaches.