Vacuum extraction is used during birth and delivery if mother is unable to push the baby due exhaustion. Vacuum extraction is one of the ways to speed up the birth and labour process. Read on to know the facts on vacuum extraction during birth and delivery.Vacuum extraction during birth and delivery means pulling out the baby with the help of vacuum if the childbirth takes too long. Although this is done when the mother gets exhausted by pushing or if the birth and delivery time takes longer than normal, many doctors and midwifes pull out the baby with the help of vacuum or forceps just because they do not have much time.In normal course vacuum extraction is done to prevent a cesarean section. Sometimes if it is observed that the heart beat of the child is below normal, vacuum extraction is done to save both, child and the mother. In any case, this is done to speed up the labour. In this articleWhen is Vacuum Extraction Attempted?What Type of Vacuum Cup Should be Used?Does Vacuum Extraction Hurt the Baby?When is Vacuum Extraction Attempted?Vacuum extraction is attempted mainly becauseThere is concern about the welfare of the child.When labour is too slow or there is some kind of arrest inside.To speed up delivery especially when maternal or fetal conditions are not so good in the second stage of labour.Sometimes combination of two or more reasons also makes the doctor take the decision of vacuum extraction during birth and delivery. In fact, a little and gentle pull sometimes saves both the lives. A metal or plastic cup is attached to the baby’s head that guides him towards birth canal.During contractions, the child may go backward and this is prevented by vacuum extraction. There have been many cases in which a c-section has been avoided just because of the vacuum extraction process.The health of the mother and the unborn child is continuously monitored and the decision is taken only when there is any kind of danger or risk. Therefore, it is advisable that one should be under the supervision of a specialist doctor during labour. Along with physical, mother’s emotional status is also taken into account.What Type of Vacuum Cup Should be Used?There are different types of vacuum cups that are used by doctors during birth and delivery to pull out the baby. In fact, it depends on how and where the head of the infant is stuck so that the doctor gently pulls the baby safely out.Along with designs, there are several materials with which vacuum cups are made for extraction during birth and delivery. The two main categories are – soft cups and rigid cups. It is up to the observation of the doctor and the condition of the mother and child, what type of vacuum cup is used for labour.Does Vacuum Extraction Hurt the Baby?Some of the babies do show some sign of discomfort or irritation which goes off in a day or two after birth.It is not possible to say whether the irritation was because of the vacuum extraction method for birth and delivery or due to the discomfort the child was facing because of the delay in childbirth.Since the vacuum cups apply suction on the scalp of the baby, there is slight or more swelling found. However, this resolves within few hours.In rare cases the colour of the swelling seems dark. But this will also fade away quickly.Blisters and abrasions are seen in some cases which settle down and heal completely within few days.Sometimes in the deepest layer of the scalp there is a small collection of blood found. This also takes few weeks to disappear and is harmless as well.There are various choices of methods that can be used to speed up childbirth. You should consult with the doctor about every possibility and take necessary safety measures throughout.
Vacuum extraction is used during birth and delivery if mother is unable to push the baby due exhaustion. Vacuum extraction is one of the ways to speed up the birth and labour process. Read on to know the facts on vacuum extraction during birth and delivery.Vacuum extraction during birth and delivery means pulling out the baby with the help of vacuum if the childbirth takes too long. Although this is done when the mother gets exhausted by pushing or if the birth and delivery time takes longer than normal, many doctors and midwifes pull out the baby with the help of vacuum or
forceps just because they do not have much time.
In normal course
vacuum extraction is done to prevent a
cesarean section. Sometimes if it is observed that the heart beat of the child is below normal, vacuum extraction is done to save both, child and the mother. In any case, this is done to speed up the labour.
Vacuum extraction is attempted mainly because
- There is concern about the welfare of the child.
- When labour is too slow or there is some kind of arrest inside.
- To speed up delivery especially when maternal or fetal conditions are not so good in the second stage of labour.
Sometimes combination of two or more reasons also makes the doctor take the decision of vacuum extraction during
birth and delivery. In fact, a little and gentle pull sometimes saves both the lives. A metal or plastic cup is attached to the baby’s head that guides him towards birth canal.
During contractions, the child may go backward and this is prevented by vacuum extraction. There have been many cases in which a c-section has been avoided just because of the vacuum extraction process.
The health of the mother and the unborn child is continuously monitored and the decision is taken only when there is any kind of danger or risk. Therefore, it is advisable that one should be under the supervision of a specialist doctor during labour. Along with physical, mother’s emotional status is also taken into account.
What Type of Vacuum Cup Should be Used?
There are different types of vacuum cups that are used by doctors during birth and delivery to pull out the
baby. In fact, it depends on how and where the head of the infant is stuck so that the doctor gently pulls the baby safely out.
Along with designs, there are several materials with which vacuum cups are made for extraction during birth and delivery. The two main categories are – soft cups and rigid cups. It is up to the observation of the doctor and the condition of the mother and child, what type of vacuum cup is used for labour.
- Some of the babies do show some sign of discomfort or irritation which goes off in a day or two after birth.
- It is not possible to say whether the irritation was because of the vacuum extraction method for birth and delivery or due to the discomfort the child was facing because of the delay in childbirth.
- Since the vacuum cups apply suction on the scalp of the baby, there is slight or more swelling found. However, this resolves within few hours.
- In rare cases the colour of the swelling seems dark. But this will also fade away quickly.
- Blisters and abrasions are seen in some cases which settle down and heal completely within few days.
- Sometimes in the deepest layer of the scalp there is a small collection of blood found. This also takes few weeks to disappear and is harmless as well.
There are various choices of methods that can be used to speed up childbirth. You should consult with the doctor about every possibility and take necessary safety measures throughout.
