The expulsion or extraction of a baby from the mother’s uterus. In most cases, the baby lies lengthwise in the uterus with its head facing downwards and is delivered head first through the vaginal opening by a combination of uterine contractions and maternal effort (see childbirth). If the baby is lying in an abnormal position (see breech delivery; malpresentation), if uterine contractions are weak, or if the
baby’s head is large in relation to the size of the mother’s pelvis, a forceps delivery or vacuum extraction may be required.
If a vaginal delivery is impossible or dangerous to the mother or the baby, a caesarean section is necessary.
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