Vaginal Delivery Using the Vacuum Extractor

A vacuum extraction is a procedure sometimes done during the course of vaginal childbirth. Vacuum extractors have replaced forceps for many situations in which assistance is required to achieve vaginal delivery. Compared with metal-cup vacuum extractors, soft-cup devices are easier to use and because fewer neonatal scalp injuries; however, they detach more frequently. Vacuum extractors can cause neonatal injury. These devices should be employed when indicated, usually for a no reassuring fetal heart tracing or failure to progress in the second stage of labor. Complications may be minimized if the physician recognizes to the use of vacuum extraction. 

Vacuum extractors is an assisted vaginal delivery, your healthcare practitioner uses either a vacuum device or forceps to help your baby out of the birth canal. Your practitioner may recommend this if you've been pushing for a long time and you're completely worn out, or if your baby's nearly out but his heart rate is "no reassuring." 

A vacuum extraction poses a risk of injury for both mother and baby. Possible risk to be in mother’s are Lower genital tract tears and wounds, Short-term difficulty urinating or emptying the bladder, Weakening of the muscles and ligaments supporting your pelvic organs, causing pelvic organs to slip out of place, Short-term or long-term urinary or fecal incontinence and Anemia. 

Possible risks to your baby include, Scalp wounds, Skull fracture, bleeding within the skull and an injury to the network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm and hand.

Your health care provider might caution against vacuum extraction if:

• You're less than 34 weeks pregnant
• Your baby has a condition that affects the strength of his or her bones, such as osteogenesis imperfecta, or a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia
• Your baby has previously had blood taken from his or her scalp
• The position of your baby's head isn't known
• Your baby's shoulders, arms, buttocks or feet are leading the way through the birth canal
• Your baby might not be able to fit through your pelvis due to his or her size or the size of your pelvis 
• Your baby's head hasn't yet moved past the midpoint of the birth canal

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