Forceps delivery criteria (mnemonic)

Last revised by Kyriacos S. Evangelou on 9 Aug 2021

A mnemonic to remember the criteria for forceps delivery is:

  • FORCEPS

Mnemonic

  • F: fetus alive
  • O: os dilated
  • R: ruptured membrane / rotation complete
  • C: cervix take-up
  • E: engagement of head
  • P: presentation suitable
  • S: sagittal suture in AP diameter of inlet 

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