A new obstetrical polyurethane versus stainless steel forceps: a comparison of forces generated to the base of the fetal skull during simulated deliveries.

Background: Decreasing the maximum force applied during traction to the base of the fetal skull using a less rigid polyurethane forceps is the basis of this study. Our hypothesis was that less force would be generated with polyurethane forceps than with steel forceps.

Objective: To test a new soft polyurethane obstetrical forceps for maximal force generated to the base of the skull during simulated occiput anterior deliveries and to compare this to a similar shaped steel forceps.