2 Despite this, the overall trend for operative deliveries has shown a dramatic decline.
1 The top two reasons for cesarean delivery – labor dystocia and abnormal or indeterminate fetal heart rate tracings – can both potentially be resolved by operative vaginal delivery. Notably, 2017 was the first year the cesarean delivery rate increased since 2009, suggesting an even greater urgency in focusing on tools to reduce it. It can reduce the need for cesarean deliveries, an important goal of both our specialty nationwide and of individual providers and patients.
Operative vaginal delivery remains an important skill for obstetricians to provide the full spectrum of care for pregnant patients.
