Additive manufacturing of forceps with continuous carbon fiber for virtual childbirth training

Abstract

Among the different types of delivery, instrumental vaginal delivery is one in which some type of tool is used to aid in the extraction of the fetus. In Europe, between 2014 and 2018, between 10 and 15% of deliveries were instrumentalized, with vaginal delivery with forceps (FAVD) being one of the most commonly used options worldwide. This technique applies traction to the fetal head using generally two cephalic spoons or blades that self-couple thanks to their geometry and allow the fetus to be guided out of the birth canal during the uterine contraction phase. In this way, delivery is facilitated in certain situations, being a recommended alternative to cesarean delivery (the World Health Organization recommends a cesarean section rate of less than 15%.