What is Vacuum Delivery?

Vacuum delivery is one of the assisted birth techniques that has been in practice for more than a century though it has undergone numerous changes. It was in the 19th century when the procedure was first introduced and has now been adopted as a standard practice in modern obstetrics. The purpose of vacuum delivery is to help the baby’s head to be born when it is stuck at the cervix during the last moments of labor.

The process involves the application of a vacuum extractor, which is a tool that is used to control the delivery of the baby’s head. This method is very useful, as evidenced by the success rate of 95.3% for vacuum-assisted vaginal deliveries, which makes it an effective method when natural birth is not possible.

To help you track your pregnancy journey and estimate your due date, use our Pregnancy Calculator. Simply input the first day of your last menstrual period, and it will provide you with an estimated due date. This can give you a better understanding of your pregnancy timeline, helping you plan ahead for your baby’s arrival.

In this article, we will discuss the details of vacuum delivery, including when it’s necessary, how it’s performed, and the potential risks involved.

Understanding Vacuum Delivery

Vacuum delivery is the process of using a vacuum extractor by a doctor to deliver a baby during childbirth. The device includes a cup that has to be placed on the baby’s head and a handle joined to a vacuum pump. When the mother pushes, the vacuum increases the force and helps the baby pass through the birth canal.

This process is normally done when labor takes a long time, the baby is in distress, or there are complications. Vacuum delivery is totally safe when applied appropriately; nevertheless, it should be applied with optimal time and efficiency to avoid any complications.

Read also: Difference Between Normal Delivery and Vacuum Delivery

When is Vacuum Delivery Necessary?

Vacuum delivery is one of the essential measures used in particular cases of childbirth. Here are key situations when it might be required:

• Prolonged Labor: If the mother is already pushing but the baby is not coming out as it should, doctors can use the vacuum delivery to help turn the baby and pass through the birth canal.
• Fetal Distress: If the baby’s heartbeat is abnormal or if there is a concern that the baby is not tolerating the pregnancy well, a vacuum delivery may be required to deliver the baby as soon as possible.
• Maternal Health Concerns: In situations where the mother cannot push as a result of a health complication, this method will help make delivery safer.

The Process of Vacuum Delivery

As with any procedure, there are certain risks and benefits associated with vacuum delivery, and the healthcare provider will discuss these with the mother and get her consent before the procedure begins.

1. Analgesics is provided for pain relief if it has not been administered yet. Sometimes the doctor may cut the area around the vaginal opening to expand it, called an episiotomy.
2. Besides, the healthcare provider may use a tool to rupture the membranes and empty the mother’s bladder to prepare her for the delivery.
3. The cup of the vacuum extractor, also called the ventouse, is placed on the baby’s head so that there is no entrapment of the vaginal tissue in it.
4. During the next contraction, the healthcare provider puts on the suction device that uses a mechanical or electric pump. The concept is to ensure that the vacuum counteracts the force of contractions, sucking when the mother is pushing and releasing when she is relaxed. This coordination is important if vacuum delivery is to be successful.
5. This suction has to be moderate; excessive suction can harm the scalp, and insufficient suction can cause the cup to fly off. The operation is terminated if the vacuum cup becomes detached or there is any evidence of bruising on the baby’s head.

In the case of vacuum delivery, the vacuum extractor is taken off once the baby’s head is out, and the provider will continue using their hand to deliver the rest of the baby.

Potential Risks of Vacuum Delivery

Vacuum delivery is useful in certain situations but can be complicated for both the mother and the baby. Let’s understand the potential risks associated with both the baby and the mother.

• Perineal Pain: The perineal region may swell and be very painful in the postnatal period, especially after a vaginal birth.
• Vaginal Tearing: In the area of the perineum, there is a possibility of tearing; while this is painful, it can be easily sutured.
• Scalp Wounds: The baby can be injured by the vacuum on the head and develop wounds or bruises on the scalp.
• Serious Complications: Vacuum delivery may cause skull fractures or intracranial hemorrhage in some instances. Another danger can be found in such instances where the baby’s head is delivered, but the shoulders are trapped, which requires urgent action.

Conclusion

Vacuum delivery is a useful technique for helping with difficult births and guarantees the safe delivery of the baby. Still, it is essential to learn about possible complications associated with the process.

When planning for childbirth, it is also important to consider cord blood banking, which involves collecting and preserving the stem cells found in the umbilical cord of a newborn baby. These cord blood stem cells can be very useful for the treatment of different diseases in the future. Learn how Cryoviva can help to preserve the umbilical cord – the source of cord blood.