Why is vacuum extraction used during labor?
• Vaccuum extraction is used when the mother is having trouble pushing her baby out. It is a suction cup applied to the baby’s head and then the vaccuum pulls the baby out. This is gentler than forceps and can help avoid a c-section. It can also cause head and neck trauma to the baby. Squatting or a hands and knees position for pushing can sometimes avoid the need for this. Only in rare circumstances can a care provider use this without an episiotomy.
