Lack of training opportunity impedes acquisition of forceps delivery skills. In our university teaching hospital, we hold a simulation training program every year as well as on the assignment of new obstetricians. Our simulation training program consists of three parts: a lecture, a demonstration, and simulation training experience. The lecture is about pelvic examination for precise assessment of fetal head descent based on trapezoidal fetal station [1], and is supplemented by forceps delivery videos [2], [3]. Then, forceps delivery is demonstrated by instructors, using a pelvic model and fetal doll. Finally, trainees attempt a simulated forceps delivery.

In our facility, residents are required to complete this simulation training program before attempting forceps delivery in actual patients. Furthermore, the first forceps delivery is limited to lower than fetal station +4, and should be supervised by an instructor or an experienced obstetrician. However, the first experience may cause anxiety, and unforeseen event may occur [4]. In this video, we demonstrate a forceps delivery by a novice obstetrician, and highlight some important points.

This video shows a novice obstetrician attempting her first forceps delivery under the supervision of a specialist, after completion of the simulation training program. The specialist will take over if there is any risk to the patient. The novice obstetrician was in her fourth year of training, which included 2 years of medical internship. The forceps delivery was supervised by an obstetrician with 16 years of experience. The second stage of labor was prolonged by uterine inertia despite oxytocin augmentation. As no further fetal descent was anticipated, a decision was made to deliver the baby using UTokyo Naegele forceps (ATOM Medical) from fetal head station +4. The patient agreed to video recording of the forceps delivery. The forceps delivery was accomplished without any complications; however, there was still room for improvement. In this section, we demonstrate the points to note using video captions (Video 1), (Table 1).

Insertion of the forceps with hands reversed

During the insertion of the left blade of the forceps, the right hand should be placed into the vagina for guidance and the left hand should hold the forceps. In the video, the novice was working with the hands reversed.

Holding the blade instead of the handle

For gentle application of the forceps blade, the obstetrician should hold the end of the handle without applying excessive force. In the video, the operator was holding the blade, and could not completely insert the forceps; this can also result in excessive force in the vagina, with a risk of vaginal laceration.

Overly shallow placement of the blade 

The forceps has unique structural features for smooth application and delivery: the pelvic curve and the cephalic curve. Thus, appropriate application does not require intense force for suitable placement of the blade. However, to achieve appropriate placement, proper application of the forceps blade to the vulva is needed in the first step. In the video, the operator placed the forceps blade in an overly shallow position. Using the cephalic curve and placing the blade alongside the fetal head will lead to smooth application of the forceps.

Failing to insert the blade with assistance of the right thumb and forcibly inserting the blade with the left hand 

During insertion, the bottom of the left forceps blade should be gently pushed into the vagina, with the right thumb on the blade. The hand holding the forceps should move vertically, but should not push the forceps. Improper technique can result in failure of forceps insertion, with a risk of vaginal laceration.

Overly shallow insertion of the blade 

The operator successfully inserted the forceps; however, the blades were not placed deeply enough to join and lock both sides. The forceps should be inserted until the handle reaches the midline of the vagina and is also horizontal.

Adaptation angle is not vertical 

The right blade of the forceps was attached diagonally rather than vertically.

Failure to hold the end of the handle 

As for the left blade, the forceps should be held by the end of the handle.

Trial of traction force insufficient to confirm fetal head descent 

A trial of traction has two goals: to confirm fetal head descent in the proper direction and to confirm the forceps will not slip off the fetal head on exiting the vagina. To verify those two points, a trial of traction should be performed at least until the fetal head begins to move.

In this video, we demonstrate eight points where the novice obstetrician experienced setbacks. In our experience, novice obstetricians all tend to experience similar pitfalls. Thus, it is important for instructors to recognize the pitfalls of trainees. According to the video case, the novice obstetrician did not yet acquire the proper forceps delivery skill. Although the application of the forceps showed some room for improvement, the manner of traction was acceptable and the trainee was able to deliver the baby without any complications. In a case of failed forceps delivery, downward traction is usually applied incorrectly in a horizontal direction. Additionally, prolonged horizontal traction without changing to upward traction may result in severe perineal laceration. In case of a vacuum delivery, incorrect traction force direction may lead to detachment of the vacuum cup, with an injury to the fetal head. However, forceps delivery can be performed with a slightly incorrect direction of traction; this is a strength of forceps delivery, but it can also be dangerous and difficult. Thus, a novice obstetrician should learn the correct technique for forceps delivery prior to actual use.

Simulation training is effective not only for teaching a new technique but also for increasing a trainee’s confidence and self-assessment skill [5]. Recently, hands-on training, e-learning, and video learning have all been used to teach new techniques. Video learning is effective for teaching new skills [6] and maintenance of trainee motivation [7]. However, neither video alone nor simulation training is sufficient for instruction for novice obstetricians in forceps delivery. There are still some gaps between simulation training and actual clinical practice. Therein lies the significance of taking video during the clinical practice and video learning. With the relevant feedbacks of novice obstetricians’ forceps deliveries, they will realize where to improve. Accordingly, repetitive simulation training and video learning during the on-the-job training are important.

This is one example of forceps delivery, but we hope this video is of use to both instructors and trainees. In addition to the video learning, we think that both repetitive simulation training and on-the-job training are important.