Do you need a referral for assisted vaginal delivery?

An assisted birth uses forceps or a vacuum device to help guide the baby through the vagina. The obstetric team may discuss it if pushing is not progressing, the baby needs to be born sooner, or you are too exhausted or unwell to continue pushing safely.

The clinician checks the baby’s position, your examination findings, the progress of labour, and whether an assisted birth is suitable. If it is not suitable or does not work, the team may recommend caesarean birth.

Discuss your preferences with your midwife or obstetrician during pregnancy and include them in your birth plan. Ask how consent is handled, what pain relief may be offered, and what recovery or newborn checks could follow.

When labour begins, attend the maternity unit according to your care plan. A separate referral is not needed for an unexpected decision made during labour, because the hospital team can assess and explain the options.

Contact your maternity unit urgently for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, leaking fluid, regular contractions, reduced fetal movement, or an urge to push. These symptoms need labour assessment rather than a routine referral appointment.

Ask what circumstances might lead to forceps or vacuum assistance, who would perform it, which pain-relief options are available, and when caesarean birth would be considered. Ask how you can share your preferences during an urgent decision.