Vacuum extraction helps make the labour and delivery easier as it provides support to the mother while she is pushing. Read on to know pros and cons of vacuum extraction.Vacuum extraction is generally used as an alternative to forceps delivery. In this case a plastic or metal is attached to the head of the baby to help her draw her out of the birth canal. Vacuum extraction helps to keep the head of the baby attached, so that it does not move back in course of the contractions. The extraction offers support to the mother while she is pushing. This has become a common practice these days and an alternative to
C-section and use of forceps.
Vacuum extraction is a method of delivering the baby in situations where the baby is "stuck" in the birth canal.
The vacuum extractor (ventouse) is applied to the lowest part of the baby's head, the shape of which remains unaffected. The ventouse is a metal plate that looks like a cone-shaped cup, which is placed over the baby's scalp, using an attached pump to create a vacuum. This then serves as a handle to gently rotate the head and apply traction.
Widely used in Europe, the vacuum extractor (ventouse) is a gentler alternative to
forceps as it takes up less space in the vagina and is easier to apply. It can be used without an epsiotomy and before the cervix is fully dilated.
This method is usually suggested when the mother fails to progress to the next stage of
labour or when foetal heart rate cannot be tracked. This aims to make the labour and delivery easier for the mother as well as the baby.
The indication that doctors use for applying of vacuum extraction method is the same as the indication used for forceps. Both the methods are in fact safe when performed under medical supervision.
The extraction method ensures fewer traumas to your vagina and the need for anaesthesia also reduces. However, babies born this way may suffer from certain swelling on their head, which does not call for any medical attention. Things shall get back to normal in few days.
A C-section is recommended in case forceps or vacuum extraction does not providing much relief.
Associated Risk Factors
Although there are no significant neurological or intellectual disabilities found in babies born with vacuum extraction, you should rely on your doctor if it is at all necessary for you. Below are stated some of the possible risk factors associated that you cannot rule out. Take a look.
In case of too much of pressure there have been cases of trauma inflicted to the scalp of the newborn.
Chances of cookie cutter abrasions cannot be ruled out in such cases. This generally happens when the electrical suction devise gets twisted.
You must raise questions and come up with your concerns about vacuum
delivery during the prenatal visits. You can also find out the alternatives, if you are not comfortable with this method.
Well, if you are considering a vacuum delivery, here are some of the preparations that you should be ready with.
- You must offer your consent for this method.
- Your baby should be positioned right and his or her head must be engaged in your pelvis.
- Conditions such as foetal disproportion must not be there. This is the case when the head of the baby is too large to fit into your pelvis.
- Membranes of your amniotic sac are ruptured or breaking of water has taken place.
- Your bladder needs to be empty.
- You must have your epidural right. You may use other forms of anaesthesia under your doctor’s supervision as well in this case.
- Your medical practitioner must be prepared for a C-section in case of an emergency.
Only if these conditions are favourable, shall your doctor consider this as an option. To keep at rest your unfound fears, you can read more about vacuum extraction and talk to your doctor about it.
How does vacuum extraction make delivery easier? What are disadvantages of vacuum extraction? When is vacuum extraction method used for delivering the baby? Discuss here. 
