A suction cup birth is a vaginal surgical method of delivery. It is used in cases of birth complications.
What is a suction cup birth?
Suction cup birth also goes by the names suction cup delivery or vacuum extraction. This refers to a vaginal surgical procedure that is part of obstetrics. No other method in the world is used as often as the suction cup delivery. With the help of a suction cup delivery, the birth of the child can be effectively supported. The last stage of birth in particular, which doctors call the expulsion period, is extremely strenuous for the baby. For example, the blood flow to the placenta and uterus worsens during the pushing contractions. As a result, the baby may experience an acute lack of oxygen. In medicine, this is known as hypoxia, which can be recognized by a change in the heartbeat. In addition, there is extensive pressure on the child’s head. This, in turn, threatens to reduce blood flow to the brain. It depends on the baby’s physical reserves whether it will be able to cope with this severe stress or whether complications will arise. This includes, for example, the slowing of the heart rate. To speed up the birth of the baby in such cases, it is possible to use a suction cup. In Germany alone, five percent of all births are performed each year with the help of a suction cup. A distinction must be made between the conventional suction cup and the kiwi suction cup. The latter is a disposable suction cup and, unlike the conventional suction cup, does not have an electric motor. Instead, it is equipped with a handle through which the physician can generate negative pressure. Overall, the use of a Kiwi suction cup is considered gentler on the child. However, both versions are considered easy to use. In principle, with consideration for the child, a suction cup birth is preferable to a forceps birth. The material of the suction cup is silicone, rubber, plastic or metal. The size of the aid is between 40 and 60 millimeters.
Conditions for a suction cup birth
For a suction cup birth to take place, several conditions must be present. For example, the baby must be in a cranial position and its small head must be in the center of the mother’s pelvis. In addition, it is important that the amniotic sac and the cervix open. Before performing the suction cup delivery, the doctor should also make sure that there is no mismatch between the birth canal and the baby’s head. Because a full urinary bladder of the pregnant woman can have a detrimental effect on delivery by suction cup, it must be emptied before the birth process begins. In addition, the mother needs an appropriate anesthetic such as a peridural (PDA).
What happens during a suction cup birth?
During a suction cup birth, the baby’s head is pulled out of the pregnant woman’s birth canal with the vacuum cup. In this way, the birth process can be accelerated. The emptying of the mother’s bladder takes place with a catheter. After administering anesthesia, the doctor makes an episiotomy while the mother is in the delivery bed. She rests her legs on special leg holders. Before the doctor starts the procedure, he checks the cervix and the position of the baby once again. Finally, the suction cup is inserted into the vagina. Then the doctor attaches the instrument to the back of the child’s head. With the help of buttons, he determines the correct position of the cup and whether the mother’s soft tissues are still intact. A tube connects the suction cup to a pump. This serves to pump out the air between the baby’s head and the vacuum bell, thus enabling negative pressure. When the next contraction occurs and the mother pushes, the doctor gently pulls the suction cup and takes the baby out of the birth canal in this way. Once the baby’s head is out, the vacuum cup is gently pulled off. Following this, the birth process takes its normal course.
What does a vacuum bell birth mean for your baby?
The suction cup birth is often noticeable in the baby. For example, the back of the baby’s head usually has a round swollen area. However, this is considered harmless and goes away by itself after a few days.However, performing a vacuum cup birth involves certain risks for the child. For example, if the pressure changes too quickly when the vacuum cup is applied or removed, or if it comes loose during the birth process, there is a risk that the child’s scalp will be affected. This in turn can lead to damage to the scalp or even dangerous cerebral hemorrhaging. Likewise, it is conceivable that the mother may also suffer injuries during a suction cup birth. For example, there is a risk of tearing of the cervix or enlargement of the perineal incision. Under no circumstances should a vacuum extraction be performed if it is a premature birth. Thus, in this case, there is an increased risk of cerebral hemorrhage of the child.
Advantages of a suction cup birth
Delivery by suction cup has some advantages for both mother and baby. For example, the procedure has fewer risks of injury than forceps delivery. In the event of birth complications or maternal exhaustion, the suction cup method allows the birth to be significantly accelerated. As a result, possible damage to the baby due to lack of oxygen can be avoided. In addition, missing adjustments of the baby’s head to the pelvis can be made more easily.
