{"id":545,"date":"2026-05-15T15:52:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T14:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/types-of-birth\/"},"modified":"2026-05-15T16:12:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T15:12:51","slug":"types-of-birth","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/types-of-birth\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of Birth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\"A<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n

Vaginal Birth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vaginal birth is the delivery of a baby from the uterus (womb), out through the vagina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In NHS Lothian around 43% of babies were born this way in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assisted Birth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An assisted or instrumental birth is where forceps or a ventouse suction cup are used to help deliver the baby. This can be because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • there are concerns about your baby\u2019s heart rate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • your baby is not in an ideal position<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • you\u2019re too exhausted<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Occasionally they might be performed for some women for whom the length of the second stage of labour should be limited, for example if you have certain cardiac conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In NHS Lothian around 14% of babies were born this way in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Both ventouse and forceps interventions are carried out by doctors who have had training and only used when necessary for you and your baby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes, as the baby is being born, an episiotomy may be needed to make the vaginal opening bigger. Any tear or cut will be repaired with dissolvable stitches. Your midwife or doctor will ensure you have appropriate pain relief for this procedure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Depending on the circumstances, your baby can be delivered and placed onto your tummy, and your birthing partner may still be able to cut the cord if they want to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A neonatologist should be present at the birth to check your baby\u2019s condition after the birth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ventouse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    A ventouse (vacuum extractor) is an instrument that is attached to the baby\u2019s head by suction. A soft or hard plastic or metal cup is attached by a tube to a suction device. The cup fits firmly onto your baby\u2019s head. During a contraction and with the help of your pushing, the obstetrician gently pulls to help deliver your baby.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The suction cup leaves a swelling on your baby\u2019s head, called a chignon. This will disappear over the next few days. The cup may also leave a bruise on your baby\u2019s head. This will also disappear over the next few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Forceps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Forceps are smooth metal instruments that look like large spoons or tongs. They\u2019re curved to fit around the baby\u2019s head. The forceps are carefully positioned around your baby\u2019s head and joined together at the handles. With a contraction and your pushing, an obstetrician gently pulls to help deliver your baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are many different types of forceps. Some forceps are specifically designed to turn the baby to the right position to be born, for example, if your baby is lying facing upwards or to one side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Forceps can leave small bruises on your baby\u2019s face but these will disappear quite quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Caesarean Birth (C-section)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A Caesarean Birth, or C-section, is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In NHS Lothian around 43% of babies were born this way in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The cut is usually made across your tummy, just below your bikini line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You will be given an anaesthetic which will either be an epidural, spinal or combined spinal-epidural. Very occasionally a general anaesthetic is used (a general anaesthetic is when you are put to sleep).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A caesarean is a major operation that carries a number of risks, so it\u2019s usually only done if it\u2019s the safest option for you and your baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Planned Caesarean Section<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If there are concerns for either you or your baby towards the end of your pregnancy, a planned caesarean (also called Elective C-section) will be offered. This is a pre-arranged caesarean which takes place before you go into labour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In NHS Lothian around 16% of babies were born this way in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Enhanced Recovery for Obstetric Surgery in Scotland Planned Caesarean Birth Video<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This short film has been developed by NHS Lothian to help prepare you before your caesarean birth, and focuses on advice and steps to take before your caesarean. You will also see what to expect in the operative room, as well as post-operative follow up to aid your recovery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n