Sometimes your midwife or doctor may need to use instruments to help you give birth. Some of the main reasons for this include if your baby isn't getting enough oxygen or there is another problem putting his/her health at risk. This is called fetal compromise or fetal distress: if your baby is in a position that means it's difficult for him/her to be born without help; if you have been pushing for a long time, are very tired and can't manage without assistance; if you have a health condition that means you may not be able to keep pushing. You will be given local anaesthesia before an assisted delivery. This completely blocks feeling from the waist down and you will stay awake during the procedure.
Attribution: BUPA