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.

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FAQs

What is vacuum delivery and when is it needed?

Vacuum delivery is an assisted vaginal birth in which a doctor uses a soft suction cup attached to the baby's head to help guide the baby out during contractions. It may be recommended when labour is not progressing adequately or the baby needs to be delivered sooner during the pushing stage. At ONP Hospitals, the obstetrician assesses whether vacuum-assisted delivery is appropriate for the mother and baby.

Is vacuum delivery safe for the baby?

Vacuum delivery is generally safe when performed by a trained obstetrician in suitable circumstances. However, it can cause temporary swelling or bruising on the baby's scalp, and rarely, more serious complications. At ONP Hospitals, the medical team evaluates the baby's condition and monitors the newborn after delivery.

Why do doctors recommend vacuum-assisted delivery during labour?

Doctors may recommend vacuum-assisted delivery when the mother is exhausted, the second stage of labour is prolonged, or the baby's condition requires a quicker birth. The baby's position and gestational age must also be considered before proceeding.

Is vacuum delivery painful for the mother?

The mother may experience pressure, discomfort, or pain during vacuum-assisted delivery, depending on the stage of labour and whether pain relief has been provided. An episiotomy may sometimes be needed, but it is not routine in every case. ONP Hospitals can guide mothers on pain relief and what to expect during assisted delivery.

What are the risks of vacuum delivery?

Possible risks include vaginal or perineal tears in the mother and temporary scalp swelling or bruising in the baby. Rare complications can include more serious bleeding under the baby's scalp. The obstetrician explains the potential risks and alternative options before the procedure whenever circumstances allow.

How long does vacuum delivery take?

The assisted part of vacuum delivery may take only a few contractions when the baby's position is suitable and the procedure is progressing well. The total duration depends on labour progress and individual circumstances. At ONP Hospitals, the obstetrician monitors progress and stops the attempt if it is not safe or effective.

Can vacuum delivery be performed during every vaginal birth?

No. Vacuum delivery is only suitable in specific circumstances, usually when the cervix is fully dilated, the membranes have ruptured, and the baby's head is low enough in the birth canal. It is generally avoided in certain premature births and when the baby's position is unsuitable.

What is the difference between vacuum delivery and forceps delivery?

Vacuum delivery uses a suction cup attached to the baby's head, while forceps delivery uses specially designed instruments placed around the baby's head to assist birth. Both are forms of assisted vaginal delivery. The obstetrician chooses the method based on the baby's position, the urgency of delivery, and clinical suitability.

What happens if vacuum delivery is unsuccessful?

If vacuum-assisted delivery does not progress safely, the obstetrician will stop the attempt and reassess the safest way to deliver the baby. Depending on the circumstances, forceps delivery or an emergency Caesarean section may be necessary. At ONP Hospitals, the delivery team considers the mother's and baby's condition when deciding the next step.

Which hospital should I choose for vacuum delivery in Pune?

Choose a maternity hospital with experienced obstetricians, trained nursing staff, newborn assessment facilities, and access to emergency Caesarean delivery when required. ONP Hospitals can help expectant mothers discuss assisted vaginal delivery, its potential risks, and the available maternity care options.