Lothian top for forceps

THE use of forceps during childbirth is significantly higher in the Lothians than the rest of Scotland, it has emerged.

Figures from NHS Lothian have shown that the tools are used in around 14 per cent of births, compared with a national average of nine per cent.

The figure has also risen steadily over the years, up from one in ten in 2005.

However, the frequency of Caesarean sections is decreasing, and is now below the national line, a statistic which health chiefs in Edinburgh said was "encouraging".