Most of the time, a mother hopes to deliver her baby normally, without any complications. But sometimes things don't go as we expect. In the final stages of labor, when you're pushing the baby out, the baby may not come out even after hours of pushing. Since there can be some risks for you and the baby at times like these, doctors think of other ways to get the baby out quickly and safely. One method used at such times is `Vacuum Extraction`.
Simply put, what is Vacuum Extraction?
This is very simple. `Vacuum Extraction` is a device that the doctor uses to help you push the baby during childbirth. We also call this `Vacuum`. This device has a small cup-like part (suction cup) and a pump attached to it. The doctor carefully places this cup on the baby's head and creates a little suction with the pump. Then, as you push, the doctor also uses this device to slowly pull the baby out. It's like adding extra force to your pushing.
The most important thing is that this is done to help both you and the baby. Once the baby's head is out, the doctor removes this cup and manually removes the rest of the baby's body.
When would a doctor decide to use this method?
There are several reasons why vacuum aspiration is usually recommended. Your doctor may suggest this method in the following situations:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Delayed delivery | Even if you push for a long time, the baby doesn't come down the birth canal. |
| Fetal distress | If the baby's heart rate is lower or higher than normal, it means that the baby is in some discomfort. At this time, the baby should be taken out quickly. |
| Mom is tired or has another health problem | If you are very tired after pushing for a long time, or if it is dangerous to push further due to another medical condition, such as high blood pressure. |
What else can be done before vacuuming?
Doctors don't use the `Vacuum` right away. They try simple things like this before doing so:
- Helping you move into a position that is comfortable for you and helps the baby come out.
- You are given `Oxygen`.
- Sometimes saline (IV fluids) are given.
If there is no progress after doing these things, the decision is made to use either `Vacuum Extraction` or another device, `Forceps`.
Are there any cases where this method cannot be used?
Yes, absolutely. Sometimes, you may need help getting the baby out, but the `Vacuum` method is not suitable. The table below shows some of these situations.
| Status | Reason |
|---|---|
| If the baby is born prematurely | This method can be risky because a premature baby's head is very delicate. |
| If the baby is breech | Since this device is used on the baby's head, it cannot be done if the baby is in a different position. |
| The baby has not descended far enough into the birth canal. | To use the device safely, the baby must be in the correct position. |
| If the baby grows bigger | If you feel like the baby's head is bigger than your pelvis, this method will not work. |
| If the baby has a bleeding disorder | Because there is some pressure on the skull, there is a risk of bleeding. |
What are the advantages and risks of this method?
Like any medical procedure, this one has benefits as well as some risks.
Benefits
The main advantage is that you avoid a cesarean section (C-section). Sometimes, when the baby is in difficulty, this method helps to get the baby out faster than surgery. That's very important.
Risks
These risks can affect the mother and baby separately.
Risks to the mother:
These are things that can happen during a normal childbirth.
- Vaginal tears. Sometimes the doctor may have to make a small cut in the area between the vagina and the anus. This is called an ``episiotomy''. It is then sewn back together.
- Excessive bleeding after childbirth (Postpartum bleeding).
- Difficulty urinating or inability to control urination (incontinence).
Possible risks to the baby:
Most of these are temporary and will heal completely within a few days or weeks.
| Conditions that may occur in the baby | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Common, temporary effects | |
| Skull swelling (Caput succedaneum) | The baby's head will swell up a little, forming a cone-shaped lump. This will disappear completely in a few days. It's nothing to worry about. |
| Bruising and jaundice (Bruising / Jaundice) | There may be a small bruise where the vacuum cup was placed. This increases the risk of the baby developing jaundice (yellowing). This will also heal in a few weeks. |
| Cephalohematoma (blood collection in the head) | A small amount of blood collects between the baby's skull and skin. This does not affect the baby's brain. This will also heal on its own in a week or two. |
| Very rare, serious complications | |
| Skull fracture | This is very rare. A newborn baby's skull is very soft. Most of the time, these are small fractures that heal on their own. |
| Bleeding inside the brain (Intracranial hemorrhage) | This is also a serious condition that occurs very rarely. |
| Bleeding outside the skull (Subgaleal hemorrhage) | This is also a rare situation. |
The most important thing is that doctors only use this method after confirming that the risks to the mother and baby are lower than the risks of not using this method.
How long does it take to recover?
Unless there are any complications, you will have about the same recovery time as a normal delivery, which is about six weeks . If you have stitches, you need to take care of them.
The swelling and bruising on the baby's head will completely disappear within the next few weeks. During that time, you should be especially careful with the baby's head. You should also definitely take the baby for checkups on the dates given by the doctor.
If the vacuum method fails, the doctor may next resort to a cesarean section (C-section).
Take-Home Message
- Vacuum Extraction is a safe method used to help both mother and baby during childbirth.
- This is only used in special cases, such as if labor is delayed, the baby is having difficulty, or the mother is too tired to push.
- This method helps avoid a cesarean section.
- Swelling and bruising on the baby's head are completely temporary and will heal completely within a few weeks.
- If you have any questions about this method, talk to your doctor about it before you have the baby and clear up any doubts you may have.
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