 In general, a forceps birth is likely to be safer for both the mother and baby than the alternatives — either a ventouse birth or a caesarean section — although caveats such as operator skill apply.Advantages of forceps use include avoidance of caesarean section (and the short and long-term complications that accompany this), reduction of delivery time, and general applicability with cephalic presentation (head presentation).Common complications include the possibility of bruising the baby and causing more severe tears than would otherwise be the case (although it is important to recognise that almost all women will sustain some form of tear when delivering their first baby).