How forceps permanently changed the way humans are born
11th December 2019
Obstetric forceps look like ninja weapons.
They come as a pair: 16 inches of solid steel for each hand with curved 'blades' that taper into a set of moulded grips. Designed for emergencies that require a quick delivery, they have a heftiness that conveys the weight of wielding them.
The first time I saw forceps used was also when I learned how to use them.
An experienced senior obstetrician and I did the emergency delivery in tandem.
She showed me how to orient myself to the