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Women’s Experiences of Instrumental Delivery in the UK

Read and download the full survey report here: Instrumental Delivery Survey Report

In November 2022, MASIC carried out a survey to explore women’s experiences of having a vaginal birth assisted by Forceps or Ventouse.

The survey aimed to explore whether women were aware before going into labour about when an instrumental delivery might be needed, what their choices and risks were, and if they were informed about any potential impact on their postnatal physical and mental health.

The survey also explored women’s experiences of postnatal care after instrumental delivery and what information they felt would help women who may need this type of delivery in the future.

The survey ran for two months across our website and social media channels and received responses from 703 women across the UK who had experienced an Instrumental Delivery.

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Looking for support?

There is support available if you need it, don’t suffer in silence and don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice.

MASIC can help you over come the physical and emotional trauma you may have experienced during and after child birth. We can support you and guide you to helpful resources, all you need to do is get in touch.

Not sure where to start?

Please call the MASIC 24h freephone Birth Injury Support Helpline 0808 1640833

The stats speak for themselves.
More women are affected and need support…

85%

of women with severe birth injury said it impacted on their relationship with their child

78%

were affected by traumatic memories of the birth

52%

stated they were embarrassed by the symptoms of their injury

49%

of women affected said they doubted their ability to mother

45%

suffered postnatal depression as a result of their injury

24%

of women affected regretted having a child because of the injuries sustained