Vacuum extraction of fetus: evidence, consequences

Natural childbirth for a woman is a process that takes a lot of energy, but as a result, a baby appears in the light. For this you can endure any pain and agony. Not always childbirth runs smoothly, there are situations when one can not do without surgical manipulation. Among them, vacuum extraction of the fetus. The process is rather complicated. The doctor should have great professionalism to conduct manipulation without consequences for the mother and child. When can I apply vacuum? What are the consequences of this method of delivery? These questions have answers in the article.

Understand in terminology

So, what is a vacuum extraction of a fruit? This delivery with a special device that captures the baby's head and thereby helps him to pass through the birth canal. There are several types:

• Apparatus of Malstrom. It consists of metal cups, their diameter is from 15 to 80 millimeters. It is used rarely, the device is dangerous for the baby. Often there are injuries to the scalp, bones of the skull.

• A more modern apparatus is Chachaeva and Vashakidze. In this case, the vacuum is presented in the form of a rubber cap, which captures the baby's head.

Each maternity unit has similar devices. They are used extremely rarely, since there is a high probability of harming the child. This can manifest as neurological problems, damage to the integrity of the skin and much more.

The modern vacuum apparatus consists of a pear, which is made of silicone, in size it is not larger than a chicken egg. Through the vagina, the doctor puts it to the baby's head, then a special hose connected to the pump is connected. Only an experienced doctor needs to carry out the operation in order to minimize the risks for the child to a minimum. You can use the device only during fights, and during the break it is better to clean the device so that there are no bedsores on the baby's head. For this purpose, a special valve is built in it, which unhinderedly removes the vacuum.

If complications arise during childbirth, the doctor must act immediately to save mother and child. If the baby does not move along the birth canal, the use of the vacuum device is justified.

Preparing for an operation

Many women in labor experience that there will be no complications and unforeseen situations. Even the best and most qualified obstetrician-gynecologists can not promise that the process will go smoothly. Sometimes there are situations that do not depend on women or doctors. If suddenly contractions or attempts stop, and the baby is already in the birth canal, specialists need to apply vacuum. Such a delivery operation does not require any special training for a woman. For her, doctors and nurses will do everything.

First, a catheter will be delivered, then anesthesia will take place (injection of novocaine or epidural anesthesia). Secondly, the doctor will need to know the exact location of the fetus. It can be determined using an ultrasound machine or manually. After all the manipulations, when the device is attached to the head of the baby, the mother is required to follow all the doctor's recommendations.

Indications for use

Each maternity ward is equipped with everything necessary to help women in a difficult process. No exception and vacuum apparatus. In recent years, they are used quite rarely, but there are still situations when it is almost impossible to do without them:

1. Sharply ended fights and attempts, which are not caused by oxytocin.

2. Hypoxia of the fetus.

3. The frequency of fetal heart rate decreases sharply.

In these cases, such an operation as vacuum extraction of the fetus is shown.

In which cases can not a vacuum be used

There are situations when the use of vacuum is unacceptable. Among them we can distinguish:

1. Incorrect position of the fetus (the baby is not in the head presentation).

2. Stillbirth.

3. The parturient is in an unconscious state.

4. Small weight of the fetus (premature baby).

5. Diseases of the mother (gestosis, heart disease, AIDS and others).

In any case, whether to apply vacuum, can solve only the doctor who supervises process of sorts.

We use vacuum

Before applying the device, the physician should make sure of the following points:

• Whether the fruit is alive. If you do not listen to the heartbeat, you need to put special sensors that would show the heart rate of the baby. If the baby is not breathing, this method is strictly prohibited.

• The cervix should be fully prepared for labor. It is necessary to verify its full disclosure.

• In the case where the head of the crumbs is larger than the mother's pelvis, manipulation is impossible. The doctor should conduct an emergency cesarean section.

• A fetal bladder should be absent.

Those who are in labor who consider the use of vacuum as a completely safe procedure are very mistaken. There is always a risk of damage to the soft tissues of the baby, as a consequence, later there may be problems with the nervous system.

Vacuum extraction of the fetus: consequences. How terrible are they?

With complications in childbirth, doctors can decide and apply a vacuum. But will not there be consequences for the baby and mom? There are risks, and they are large enough, that's why many countries do not use such methods of delivery for a long time already. Here are the main complications that may occur after using the device:

• The woman in labor will be threatened with damage to the vagina, perineum, clitoris.

• For the baby there is a risk of hemorrhage, violation of the integrity of the skin, deformity of the face. Very often children need special rehabilitation.

After using vacuum on the head of a newborn, a small knob is formed, which should resolve within 2 days. Many parents are frightened by a hematoma or a huge bruise, which can also occur. In this case, doctors prescribe ointments that help quickly get rid of the problem. If the cone does not go away within 3-4 days, this is a serious reason for a general examination of the child. In this case, the therapist and neurologist are consulted. Assign an ultrasound of the brain, which is carried through the fontanel. It is important that these manipulations are carried out by an experienced specialist who will be able to notice even minor deviations and changes.

Obstetrician forceps: a couple of words about them

In the event that the process of delivery is complicated by a child's abnormal position, doctors use obstetric forceps. Outwardly they resemble tweezers, only quite large ones. They are made of metal. There are many situations in which the use of this medical item is necessary:

1. Threat to the life of the mother and child.

2. Tight cord of the umbilical cord.

3. Termination of labor at a time when the baby is in the birth canal.

4. The great weight of the fruit.

5. Gestosis at the woman in childbirth.

6. Gluteal or pelvic presentation.

7. Endometritis.

Obstetric forceps are not entirely safe. The doctor who conducts the operation must have enormous professional skills and experience similar manipulations.

What is safer: forceps or vacuum?

On the forums you can often see the question: "What is the most commonly used by doctors for complications in childbirth?" There is no unequivocal answer to it. Everything depends on the situation and the experience of the doctor. So, the use of vacuum is less traumatic for a woman. Much less often there is a rupture of the vagina. As for anesthesia, it will be needed in any case. As a rule, novocaine is used. General anesthesia is unacceptable, since a woman must be conscious.

Another plus of vacuum is that for the child its use is more safe. Tongs can damage the skin and cause significant harm to the baby. There are cases when doctors use several methods at delivery. In this case, the scheme should be the following: the application of forceps, and then vacuum. If this does not help, doctors need to have an emergency cesarean section.

Vacuum extraction of the fetus is used only in extreme cases. Unfortunately, the usage statistics of this device are not very comforting. The risks of traumatizing a child are quite large.