The suction cup is an instrument used in obstetrics. It is used exclusively for complications during childbirth.
What is a suction cup?
In Germany, nearly 5 percent of all children are delivered with the help of a suction cup each year. A suction cup is a medical instrument used to help deliver an infant. This procedure is also known as suction cup birth or vacuum extraction. However, the use of a suction cup is only considered when unforeseen complications arise during the birth process that could have life-threatening consequences for either the baby or the mother. This includes, for example, oxygen deficiency in the baby. Another important factor is how deep the baby is already in the birth canal. It is therefore important to carefully weigh up the options of a suction-cup birth, forceps delivery or a surgical Caesarean section. In Germany, just under 5 percent of all children are delivered with the help of a suction cup each year.
Forms, types and styles
There are two different types of suction cups. These are the conventional suction cup and the so-called kiwi suction cup. The kiwi suction bell is a disposable bell. While the conventional bell is operated by an electric motor, the Kiwi variant only has a handle with which the physician manually generates negative pressure. Since the pressure build-up is slower with the Kiwi suction bell, this procedure is considered gentler on the child. The application of this version is also simple. Basically, birth with a suction cup is considered gentler than birth with forceps. The size of a suction cup (also called a vacuum extractor) is 40, 50 or 60 millimeters. While in earlier years the material of the bell was mostly metal, nowadays silicone is primarily used. Other possible materials include rubber and plastic.
Structure and mode of operation
The suction bell is a round shell. The instrument has a hose on its outer side that connects the bell to a vacuum pump. Furthermore, there is a pull chain on the bell. To deliver the baby, the obstetrician places the cup on the top of the baby’s skull. Then the tube sucks air out of the cup, causing a vacuum to form inside it. The inside of the suction cup presses strongly against the child’s skull. Once the cup has attached, the doctor pulls on the pull chain that sits at its curve. This happens during the contractions of the mother, who presses along with this process. In this way, the birth process is accelerated. When the baby’s small head emerges, direct vacuum suction ends. Subsequently, the rest of the baby’s body is delivered. Before the vacuum cup is inserted, the mother’s bladder must usually be emptied, which takes place via a catheter. In addition, the gynecologist performs an internal examination. It is used to determine the position of the baby’s head. It is also used to determine the extent of descent. This examination is extremely important for the correct fitting of the suction cup on the baby’s skull. Once the doctor has completed the examinations to his satisfaction, he applies the suction cup to the baby’s head. After just a few minutes, the instrument sucks itself onto the baby’s skull. The tensile strength of the bell is usually achieved when the negative pressure is 0.8 kg/cm². Before starting the procedure, the doctor still performs a test pull on the chain. For a suction bell to be used, certain conditions must exist. These include the opening or breaking of the amniotic sac, the complete opening of the cervix, the correct application of the suction cup, and the performance of an episiotomy. In addition, the baby’s head must be inside the small pelvis.
Medical benefits
The use of a vacuum cup can be critical to the health of both mother and baby. For example, the final stage of labor is exceedingly stressful for both mother and baby. For example, there is poorer blood flow to the placenta as well as intense pressure on the baby’s head. This creates the risk of insufficient blood flow to the brain. Sometimes the baby’s heart rate also slows down. The birth process can then be accelerated with the help of a suction cup.However, severe maternal exhaustion may also necessitate the use of a suction cup. Although the suction cup birth is considered relatively safe, complications and side effects are still within the realm of possibility. These include head swelling. This is the swelling of the subcutaneous tissue, which is caused by the bell. However, the swelling is not unusual and is considered normal. As a rule, the swelling quickly disappears. However, if the pressure is changed too quickly when the suction bell is attached or removed, injuries to the scalp are conceivable. Even dangerous cerebral hemorrhages can occur. The use of a suction cup also poses certain risks for the mother. These include increased tearing of the episiotomy or tears in the cervix. A suction cup must not be used in the case of premature birth. This is because there is an increased risk of cerebral hemorrhage. The suction cup birth has the fundamental advantage that, compared to forceps birth, injuries to the mother occur less frequently. Furthermore, an easier compensation of missing adaptations of the child’s head to the mother’s small pelvis is possible.
