Vacuum Extraction vs. Forceps Delivery: Comparison of Maternal and Fetal Effects

100 eligible women requiring assisted vaginal delivery (AVD) in the second stage of labour were randomised to deliver by vacuum extraction (VE) or Forceps Delivery (FD). All of those allocated to Forceps delivery (FD) actually delivered with the allocated instrument; however maternal trauma, use of analgesia and blood loss at delivery were significantly less in the group allocated to deliver by vacuum extraction (VE). VE however appears to predispose to an increase in neonatal jaundice and incidence of cephalhematoma. More serious neonatal morbidity was rare in both groups.