Rotational delivery of the fetus: Kielland's forceps and two other methods compared

Abstract

A retrospective comparison was undertaken of 552 cases in which Kielland's forceps were used for rotation and delivery, 95 cases in which other forceps were used for rotation and delivery, and 160 cases in which manual rotation and forceps were used. There was no significant difference in maternal or fetal morbidity between the three groups, regardless of whether the indication for delivery was delay in the second stage of labour or fetal distress. When Kielland's forceps were used by junior staff, significantly more vaginal and cervical lacerations and primary postpartum haemorrhage occurred, but there was no increase in fetal morbidity.