Vacuum extraction is a delivery procedure that involves the use of an extractor device attached to the baby’s head to guide the baby out of the birth canal. The procedure is usually necessary when labor is not progressing or if the baby’s health depends on immediate delivery. Vacuum extraction is usually done in a hospital or facility where a cesarean section can be performed if the vacuum extraction fails.
The following conditions must be present for vacuum extraction:
The cervix is fully dilated
The amniotic fluid has ruptured
The baby’s head has descended headfirst into the birth canal
When all these conditions are present and the mother is unable to push the baby out, either because she does not have the energy to push or the baby is showing signs of distress and must be delivered immediately, a vacuum assisted delivery may be necessary.