For low forceps delivery, what is the required station of the leading point of the skull?

For a low forceps delivery, the leading point of the fetal skull must be at least at station +2. This positioning is crucial because it ensures that the fetal head is low enough in the pelvis, allowing for safe application of the forceps without the risk of injury to maternal and fetal structures.

In a low forceps delivery, the goal is to assist the delivery of the fetal head that is already in the pelvic cavity, near the vaginal introitus, which corresponds to the station of +2. At this station, there is sufficient engagement and descent of the fetal head, making it feasible to use forceps effectively and safely.

When the head is at less than +2, there may be insufficient descent or engagement for forceps to be safely applied, which can lead to complications or ineffective attempts at delivery. The need for the fetal head to be well descended to at least +2 ensures that the obstetrician has a proper field of operation to maneuver the instruments and assist in delivery while minimizing risks associated with misapplication.