What is one indication for operative vaginal delivery?

Operative vaginal delivery is indicated primarily in situations where there has been a prolonged or arrested second stage of labor. This scenario suggests that the woman is not able to progress in the delivery process, which can potentially lead to complications for both the mother and the fetus. Utilizing operative vaginal delivery techniques, such as vacuum extraction or forceps, can assist in expediting the delivery process while minimizing the risks associated with prolonged labor, such as fetal distress or maternal exhaustion.

In contrast, stable fetal heart rate does not in itself warrant an operative vaginal delivery since it indicates that the fetus is tolerating labor well and may not necessitate immediate intervention. The mother's wish for a natural delivery, while important to consider in the overall management of labor, does not serve as a medical indication for operative delivery. Lastly, fetal delivery weight, while a factor in some delimitations of labor and birth, does not directly indicate the need for an operative vaginal delivery unless it leads to specific complications, which is not typically the case.