Vacuum extraction, also called vacuum-assisted delivery, carries risks depending on factors such as the position of the baby in the womb, type of instrument used, and the doctor’s experience.
For example, an episiotomy may be needed to seal the vacuum cup. An episiotomy is an incision made around the perineum (area surrounding the vagina) and is used in other delivery methods as well. Episiotomies can cause infections, pain, and blood loss.
However, vacuum extraction may be a life-saving procedure for both mother and baby, and the risks of serious injury are typically low. Furthermore, most of the risks of vacuum extraction occur with nonoperative vaginal delivery.
What are the risks of vacuum extraction?
Risks to the mother
- Perineal pain and injuries
- Blood loss
- Lower genital tract injuries
- Hematoma (collection of blood in between the tissues)
- Urine retention or difficulty in passing urine
- Loss of bowel or bladder control (incontinence)
- Anemia
Risks to the baby
What is vacuum extraction?
Vacuum extraction is a type of assisted delivery in which the baby is delivered with the help of a vacuum pump that guides the baby out of the birth canal using a cup-like structure placed on the baby’s head. Over 80% of operative vaginal deliveries in the United States are done using vacuum extraction. During a vacuum extraction:
- The mother is given an epidural so that she does not feel pain and asked to lie on her back with her legs apart.
- The doctor or midwife places the vacuum extractor cup on the baby’s head.
- The mother is then asked to push during contractions while the doctor or midwife simultaneously pulls by creating suction between the baby’s head and vacuum cup.
- The baby’s head is typically the most difficult part to push out of the vagina. Once the head is delivered, the doctor removes the vacuum cup, and the rest of the baby is delivered by the mother’s pushing efforts.
After vacuum extraction is done, both mother and baby are examined for injuries and appropriate care is provided. If, however, the vacuum extraction fails to deliver the baby, the doctor may perform a cesarean delivery.
When is vacuum extraction recommended?
Vacuum extraction is typically done in the second stage of labor (period between full dilatation of the cervix and birth of the baby) when the baby is low enough to be delivered by this method.
Reasons for doing vacuum extraction include:
- Maternal exhaustion (the mother is too tired to push)
- Baby does not move despite mother’s pushing efforts
- Signs of fetal distress (such as changes in baby’s heartbeat)
- Certain maternal conditions that may make prolonged pushing efforts risky (such as heart diseases and lung conditions)
- Poor pushing efforts due to certain maternal diseases, such as spinal cord injury or neuromuscular diseases
SLIDESHOW
Conception: The Amazing Journey from Egg to Embryo See SlideshowMedically Reviewed on 1/7/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images
Garrison A. Vacuum Extraction. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/271175-overview
Ali UA, Norwitz ER. Vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2009;2(1):5-17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2672989/
Greenberg J. Procedure for vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/procedure-for-vacuum-assisted-vaginal-delivery#H1753442051
Garrison A. Vacuum Extraction. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/271175-overview
Ali UA, Norwitz ER. Vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2009;2(1):5-17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2672989/
Greenberg J. Procedure for vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/procedure-for-vacuum-assisted-vaginal-delivery#H1753442051
Complete List
Top Is Vacuum Extraction Bad Related Articles
Childbirth Delivery Methods and Types
Learn about the pros and cons of various childbirth methods, such as the Bradley method, C-section, natural childbirth, water birth, Lamaze, and vaginal delivery. Read about birthing centers, hospital and home births, midwives, and doulas.
Childbirth Class Options
Childbirth class options include the Lamaze technique, the Bradley Method, the Alexander Technique, and HypnoBirthing.
Exercise & Pregnancy
Pregnancy exercises and workouts for moms-to-be include Kegel exercises and prenatal yoga. A prenatal workout is an important part of healthy living. Try these safe exercises for pregnancy.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Delivery?
Your body spent months preparing to give birth, and you’ve gone through a lot of physical and emotional stress during both pregnancy and delivery. It makes sense that after your baby’s arrival, your body needs time to heal and recover.How Safe Is Breech Delivery?
The breech pregnancies are not dangerous until it’s time for the baby to be born. In the breech presentation, the baby’s feet or bottom is located at the opening of the uterus instead of the baby’s head. The head is the largest part of the baby that must fit through the birth canal.
Labor and Delivery
Early and later symptoms and signs of labor and delivery are unique to each woman. Early signs of labor are "lightning" and passing the mucus plug. Later symptoms and signs that labor that labor is are the woman's water breaking, and when contractions begin. There are three stages of labor, stage 1 is the longest and occurs when the cervix begins to thin and dilate. During stage 2 of labor the baby passes through the birth canal and remains there until delivery, and stage 3, is when the baby is delivered.
Why Is Normal Delivery Not Possible After Cesarean Delivery?
A vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) is possible for many women, but it depends on many factors. Insisting on VBAC may put both you and your baby at risk; hence, you need to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.
What Are the Most Common Pregnancy Cravings?
Learn about pregnancy cravings, what they are, the most common foods pregnant women crave such as pickles and ice cream, why they happen, and what they mean.
Pregnancy Myths and Facts Quiz
Being pregnant is a delicate time for both mother and baby. Take this pregnancy myths and facts quiz to separate the myths and facts about being pregnant, and learn the truth behind healthy pregnancies!How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Forceps Delivery?
During a normal vaginal delivery, the doctor may apply an instrument, called forceps, to the baby’s head to aid in the delivery of the baby through the birth canal. This is also called forceps-assisted vaginal delivery. Forceps look like two large salad spoons together. This procedure augments the process of delivery, helps reduce the risk of injury to the baby, and helps avoid cesarean delivery because it has a high risk of maternal morbidity.
What Are the Dos and Don'ts During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy?
2nd trimester pregnancy - Learn what you should and shouldn't do during the second trimester of pregnancy to protect you and your baby's health. Prenatal vitamins, exercise, sleep, no alcohol or smoking and more.
Stages of Pregnancy: Week by Week
See pictures on the various stages of pregnancy. See and learn what changes a woman's body goes through and view fetal images of how her baby grows during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
What Are the Side Effects of Vacuum Delivery?
Vacuum delivery is a type of assisted birth delivery also called ventouse-assisted delivery. Vacuum-assisted birth is a method to assist the delivery of a baby using a vacuum device. The side effects include potential risks to the mother and risks to the baby.
What Is the Process of Normal Delivery?
Normal delivery refers to childbirth through the vagina without any medical intervention. It is also known as a vaginal birth. Every delivery is unique and may differ from mothers to mothers. There are different stages of normal delivery or vaginal birth.
Why Do Doctors Shave You Before Delivery of Your Baby?
Pregnancy labor shave of the perineum before delivery is usually a topic for debate. Doctors may shave you before delivery for hygiene reasons or to reduce the risk of infection due to a surgical incision or C-section incision. During a normal vaginal delivery, the doctor may use a vacuum to aid in the removal of the baby from the birth canal. This is also called vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. This procedure augments (speeds up) the process of delivery, reduces the risk of injury to the baby and helps avoid cesarean delivery because it has a high risk of maternal morbidity.