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Introduction
Hello everyone, I am Dr. Sneha Deshpande, Senior Consultant at Momstory by Sahyadri Hospitals. Today, we will discuss vacuum delivery, when it is recommended, and its potential risks and benefits. Vacuum delivery is a type of instrumental delivery that assists in normal childbirth.
What is Vacuum Delivery?
Vacuum delivery involves the use of a suction device to help the baby’s head descend during labor. It is used in certain situations during a normal delivery to ensure a smooth and timely birth.
When is Vacuum Delivery Recommended?
Vacuum delivery may be advised in various circumstances for both the mother and the baby.
For the Baby:
- Abnormal heart rate: If the baby’s heart rate fluctuates, causing concern.
- Meconium passage: If the baby has passed meconium and delivery must be expedited.
- Shortening the second stage of labor: When speeding up the delivery is crucial for the baby’s health.
For the Mother:
- Exhaustion due to pain: When the mother is unable to push due to extreme exhaustion from pain, especially in epidural or painless labor.
- Medical conditions: If the mother has conditions like heart problems or low hemoglobin, which make prolonged labor risky.
Criteria for Using Vacuum Delivery
Before opting for vacuum delivery, certain conditions must be met:
- Full dilation of the cervix (the mouth of the uterus).
- Head presentation: The baby must be positioned head-down.
- 36 weeks or more of pregnancy to ensure the baby is fully developed.
- Informed consent from the mother and her family is crucial before proceeding.
- Availability of NICU setup in case the baby needs further care.
When is Vacuum Delivery Not Possible?
Certain conditions may prevent the use of a vacuum:
- Incomplete dilation: The cervix must be fully open.
- Improper head presentation: If the baby’s head is not in the correct position or if the baby is in a breech or brow presentation.
- Extremely premature babies: Vacuum should not be used if the baby is under 32 weeks of gestation.
- Active bleeding: If the mother has severe bleeding disorders, vacuum delivery is contraindicated.
- Shoulder dystocia: If there is a risk that the baby’s shoulder could become stuck, vacuum delivery might not be recommended.
Complications of Vacuum Delivery
While vacuum delivery is generally safe, there are some potential complications:
For the Mother:
- Trauma to the vaginal passage or excessive bleeding can occur.
For the Baby:
- Swelling on the baby’s scalp: This is common and usually resolves within 72 hours.
- Intracranial bleeding: Rare but possible, it involves bleeding in the baby’s brain and may require immediate medical attention.
Is Vacuum Delivery Beneficial?
When all the criteria are met and under the supervision of an experienced gynecologist, vacuum delivery can be beneficial for both the mother and the baby. It can help avoid unnecessary surgical interventions and ensure a smoother delivery process.
Conclusion
If your gynecologist recommends vacuum delivery, it could be a helpful option to achieve a normal delivery. However, it’s essential to consider the indications and complications before proceeding.
