If you're close to giving birth, you've probably heard the story of having a 'vacuum' to deliver your baby. It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you hear that. "Will it hurt the baby?", "Will something happen to me?", etc. Many questions may come to mind. But what exactly is this vacuum delivery ? Is it something everyone does? Is it really something to be afraid of? Okay, let's find out the answers to all the questions you have about it today.
Simply put, what is Vacuum Delivery?
A vacuum delivery, or as doctors call it, a ``Vacuum Extraction'', is a method of giving a little help in getting the baby out during a normal vaginal childbirth. Think of it like a little 'assistance' from the doctor.
In this, the doctor gently places a very soft, small cup on the baby's head. This cup has a small handle and a vacuum pump attached to it. As you push to deliver the baby, the doctor uses this device to create very gentle suction , helping the baby to come out of the birth canal. This is not like pulling the baby out by force, it is just a guide to help the baby come out .
When is a vacuum needed?
Normally, the mother pushes the baby out on her own during labor. However, in some special cases, the doctor may feel that it would be better to give this process a little help. In such cases, the use of a vacuum is recommended.
These are the common situations when a vacuum is needed:
- If labor is not going as expected: You are pushing hard and trying hard, but the baby is moving slowly down the birth canal, or seems to be stuck in one place, your doctor may decide to help with a vacuum. This is also called a ``Prolonged second stage of labor''.
- If you notice a change in your baby's heart rate: During labor, doctors will continue to monitor your baby's heart rate. If there is an abnormal pattern, which could indicate fetal distress , a vacuum may be used to help deliver the baby quickly.
- Due to some health condition of the mother:If you have a health problem, especially a heart condition, it may not be good for your health to push for too long. In such cases, your doctor may decide to limit the time you push and use a vacuum to help you get the baby out.
The most important thing is that this decision is made with your and your baby's safety and well-being in mind. This is something the doctor will discuss with you and take your consent.
Are there times when it is not appropriate to vacuum?
Yes, a vacuum cannot be used in all situations. To ensure maximum safety for you and your baby, doctors carefully consider several factors before using this method. Here are some situations where a vacuum is not recommended:
- If you are less than 34 weeks pregnant (because the baby is premature).
- If you know that your baby has a medical condition that affects bone strength (e.g. Osteogenesis Imperfecta).
- If the baby's head has not yet passed the middle of the birth canal.
- If the baby's head position is not exactly clear .
- If a part of the baby, such as the shoulders, arms, buttocks, or legs, enters the birth canal before the head (we call this `Breech presentation`).
- If you feel that the baby's size is too large for the mother's pelvis .
At this time, your doctor may recommend the safest option for you and your baby, which is a cesarean section (C-section).
What are the risks of a vacuum delivery?
As with any medical procedure, a vacuum delivery is not without its risks. However, the doctor recommends this method only when the benefits outweigh the risks. Let's take a closer look at the risks to both mother and baby.
| Risks to the mother | Possible risks to the baby |
|---|---|
| Pain in the area between the vagina and anus (perineum). This pain usually resolves within a few days. | A swelling (like a lump) on the skin of the baby's skull. This may look like a cone. But this will almost completely disappear in a few days. |
| Vaginal tears. The doctor will repair these with dissolvable stitches. | Very rarely , minor skull fracture occurs. |
| Temporary difficulty urinating or difficulty controlling urine. | A small amount of blood collects under the skin inside the skull (subgaleal hemorrhage). This is also a rare condition. |
| Temporary difficulty controlling bowel movements. These difficulties often return to normal after a short time. | The risk of shoulder dystocia increases slightly after the baby's head emerges. |
How does this process happen?
Okay, now let's see how this is done. If the doctor thinks you need to be helped with a vacuum, he will first talk to you about it. He will explain all the benefits and risks of this, and get your consent.
Then, you will be given pain medication. If you have already had an epidural, that may be enough. Or you may be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around your vagina.
While you lie down on the bed with your legs apart, the doctor will very carefully place the soft cup over your baby's head. Then, when you feel pain (a contraction), he will tell you to push as hard as you can. As you push, the doctor will use a very gentle suction to help the baby slowly come out.
Once the baby's head is out, the suction on the vacuum is released and the cup is removed. Then you can push the rest of the baby's body out.
What if the vacuuming is not successful?
Very rarely, the baby may not be able to be removed with the vacuum after several attempts. If this happens, the doctor will decide to perform an immediate cesarean section (C-section) for the safety of you and your baby. This is the best solution to save both of your lives in an emergency.
What happens after a vacuum delivery?
After the baby is born, the doctor will carefully examine your vagina and birth canal to see if there are any tears. If there are, they will be repaired with dissolvable stitches. The baby will also be carefully examined to see if there are any minor injuries from the suction.
If there is a tear, it is normal to feel some pain in the area. This discomfort will gradually subside over a few weeks.
However, if the pain is getting worse, you develop a fever, or the wound smells bad or oozes pus (these are signs of infection), you should call your doctor or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
Take-Home Message
- Vacuum delivery is not something that is done for everyone during childbirth. It is something that is done to help both the mother and the baby when the delivery is difficult.
- This method is only used for special medical reasons, such as if labor is delayed, the baby is having difficulty, or the mother's health condition.
- As with all medical procedures, there are small risks involved, but the doctor will only make this decision when the benefits far outweigh the risks.
- If you have any fears or doubts about this, never be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about it.
- Most mothers and babies recover very well after a vacuum delivery. The minor discomfort that occurs is often temporary.
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