Abstract
(BJOG. 2018;125:693–702)Recently, to reduce the cesarean delivery rate, the use of operative vaginal delivery has been advocated by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. There is uncertainty, however, in the balance of risks and benefits between cesarean delivery and operative vaginal delivery. Previous research has lacked information on pelvic station, a measure of the descent of the fetal head with respect to the maternal ischial spines. Operating at the midcavity station requires the greatest skill compared with outlet or lowcavity forceps procedures. This study aimed to quantify the effect of operative vaginal delivery at midcavity station on maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity compared with cesarean delivery.