Vacuum Delivery
Using a vacuum extraction during delivery is rare. If labor isn’t moving along or if the baby’s health relies on a rapid birth, your doctor may suggest vacuum extraction during the second stage of labor – while you’re pushing.
Only 2.58 percent of live babies in the United States were delivered by vacuum extraction, according to the most recent CDC figures.
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Everything You Need To Know About Vacuum Delivery
What it is?
When a woman gives birth vaginally, doctors may perform what is known as a vacuum extraction, which is also known as a vacuum delivery. When the baby is born, the doctor uses a suction pump and a soft cup to help guide them through the delivery canal. When a vacuum delivery is used, the mother is often still pushing while the baby is being delivered.
How to Prepare
Your doctor may attempt alternative methods to speed up labor before resorting to vacuum extraction. For instance, he or she may alter your anesthetic to promote more successful pushing. An injectable drug, such as a synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin, may be used to increase the contractions. To make childbirth easier, your doctor may perform an episiotomy, a small incision in the tissue between your vagina and anus.
If vacuum extraction is the best choice, your doctor will go through the risks and benefits with you and get your permission before doing the treatment. Inquire about other options, including a cesarean section. (C-section)
When it is Needed?
A mother’s instinct is to try to push her baby out of her vaginal canal during delivery. Vacuum delivery may be recommended by your doctor in certain cases to expedite the procedure.
Many situations call for a vacuum delivery to be made, however, these are some of the most prevalent ones:
- Labor isn’t progressing: But no matter how hard you press, nothing seems to be happening. Your doctor may suggest utilizing a vacuum after a particular time.
- Your baby’s heartbeat: Vacuum-assisted delivery may be recommended if your baby’s heartbeat is erratic or if your doctor fears anything is wrong with your pregnancy.
- You have a health concern: Your doctor may suggest a vacuum-assisted birth in certain situations. Your doctor may allow you to push for a limited period if you have certain medical issues (particularly heart disorders).
If any of the following apply, talk to your doctor before getting a vacuum extraction:
- Your child may have a bone-weakening disease like osteogenesis imperfecta or a blood-clotting problem like hemophilia.
- At this moment, your baby’s head hasn’t budged from the birth canal’s midway.
- There’s no way to tell where your baby’s head is at this point.
- As your baby’s delivery canal opens, the shoulders, arms, buttocks, and/or feet lead the way.
- If your kid is too big or your pelvis is too small, he or she may not be able to pass through.
During and After the Procedure
During the Procedure
Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits of vacuum-assisted delivery with you if they decide you need it. You’ll be asked for consent. If you agree, the doctor will prescribe painkillers. Injections of painkillers or numbing agents near the spinal cord or on the vaginal surface may be employed.
With your legs spread, the doctor will place the plastic cup on your baby’s head and urge you to push during the next contraction. Your doctor or midwife will use the vacuum to produce suction to help remove your baby gently. It’s time to let go of the suction, and you’ll be asked to assist push your baby out.
An emergency C-section is performed if a vacuum delivery fails. Your doctor will make many incisions around your lower belly before delicately removing the baby. This is a C-section. This method may be safer than vaginal birth for you and your kid.
After the Procedure
If you used the vacuum to deliver your kid, your doctor will check your vagina and delivery canal for any damage. Any rips or abrasions will be patched up immediately. In addition, your infant will be checked for any damage that may have occurred during vacuum delivery.
It’s normal to feel some discomfort after labor if you have a tear. Discomfort often lasts just a few weeks before going away on its own. Consult your doctor if you’re not healing properly, or if you have a fever or other indications of infection.
When to visit a hospital?
Expect the discomfort to reduce as your body recovers. A fever or indications of infection should alert you to seek medical attention as soon as possible if your symptoms worsen.
Consult your obstetrician-gynecologist doctor if you have trouble controlling your bowel motions (fecal incontinence)
Conclusion
Due to some of the issues that might develop while attempting a normal birth, vacuum-assisted delivery should only be utilized as a last option. Even said, this doesn’t rule out all vacuum-assisted deliveries as potentially hazardous. With the right doctor and care facility, the dangers should be kept to an absolute minimum.