Vacuum extraction for non-rotational and rotational assisted vaginal birth

Thomas van den Akker*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Vacuum-assisted birth is a safe mode of birth in the presence of a skilled provider. Vacuum extraction can avoid prolonged second stage of labour, birth asphyxia in the presence of foetal distress or maternal pushing where contraindicated. Vacuum-assisted births – particularly those in midpelvic rotational births – have been increasingly traded for caesarean births, although the latter are generally associated with potentially a greater risk to women and (future) children. In this article, (contra)indications and the basics of vacuum technique are elaborated. A specific section is dedicated to vacuum extraction for rotational birth. If these techniques are known, trained and practiced by obstetric care givers, then vacuum extraction has tremendous potential to make childbirth safer.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)47-54
Number of pages8
JournalBest Practice and Research: Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Volume56
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2019
Externally publishedYes

Funding

I offer special thanks to Barbara Nolens and Jos van Roosmalen for proofreading the manuscript and suggesting important edits.

FundersFunder number
Barbara Nolens and Jos van Roosmalen

    Keywords

    • Labour stage
    • Obstetrical
    • Obstetrics
    • Pregnancy
    • Second
    • Vacuum extraction

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