1) Surgical forceps are instruments with a pincer-like action, such as those which are used during operations to grasp tissues and other materials.

2) Obstetric forceps are not pincers, but are protective and designed to fit like a cage around the fetal head so allowing traction to be applied to aid its delivery or to protect the soft skull of a very premature baby as it emerges from the birth canal. (See PREGNANCY AND LABOUR.)