What is Vacuum Assisted Vaginal Delivery (VAVD)

Vacuum assisted vaginal delivery is a type of delivery in which your health care provider uses a vacuum device to help you deliver your baby. The vacuum device is a suction cup with a handle attached to it. This method may be used if your health care provider wants to assist or speed up delivery because of concerns about your health or the health of your baby during labor. The main benefit of this type of delivery is that it helps you avoid a cesarean delivery, which is a major surgery with a longer recovery time.

What are the reasons for having a vacuum assisted vaginal delivery?

Your health care provider may consider this method of delivery if:

• There are concerns about your baby’s heart rate during labor.
• You have pushed for a long time but your baby is not moving down the birth canal.
• You are too tired to continue pushing because labor has lasted a long time.
• You have health conditions that make it unsafe for you to push for too long. These conditions may include:
  • Heart (cardiac) valve disease.
  • Respiratory diseases, such as asthma or COPD.
  • Preeclampsia or eclampsia.
  • Long-term high blood pressure (chronic hypertension).

How does this affect me?

How is vacuum assisted vaginal delivery performed?

• Your health care provider will check to determine the position of the baby’s head and how far down the birth canal the baby has moved.
• Your health care provider will place the suction cup in your vagina against the baby’s head.
• The pressure on the suction cup will be increased so the cup is attached to the baby’s head.
• As you push during contractions, your health care provider will use gentle, controlled movements and traction to guide your baby out of the birth canal.

What are the risks of VAVD?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including the following:

• Cuts or tears (lacerations) in your vagina.
• Cuts or tears in your cervix.
• Development of a blood clot (hematoma).
• Tears in your perineum (perineal lacerations). The perineum is the area between the vagina and the anus.
• Discomfort and pain during delivery.
• Inability to pass urine (urinary retention) or inability to control the passing of urine (urinary incontinence).
• Inability to control the passing of stool. This occurs when muscles that surround the anus (rectal sphincter) are damaged.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, you may have the following problems:

• Pain and bruising in the vaginal area.
• Difficulty walking or sitting shortly after the procedure. This will improve over time.
• Swelling and pain. This may last for a few weeks as you heal.
• Trouble passing urine. You may have pain, retention, or incontinence.
• Trouble passing stool. You may have pain or incontinence.

Report any changes or new symptoms to your health care provider.

How does this affect my baby?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur with your baby, including:

• Swelling, bruising, or small cuts on the scalp or head.
• Swelling or bruising to the eyes or face.
• Bleeding inside the skull.
• Nerve damage to the arm or face.
• Buildup of a substance (bilirubin) that is normally excreted as a part of bile.

Follow these instructions at home:

Managing pain and swelling

• If directed, put ice on the painful area:
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Use a pillow or cushion if sitting is uncomfortable.
• If you have perineal swelling:
  • Do not sit for long periods of time.
  • Rest in a lying position when possible for comfort.

General instructions

• Do not swim or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves.
• If instructed by your health care provider:
  • Do sitz baths 2–3 times a day.
  • Do perineal rinsing after urinating or after passing stool.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Summary

• Vacuum assisted vaginal delivery is a type of delivery in which your health care provider uses a vacuum device to help you deliver your baby.
• The vacuum device has a suction cup that is attached to your baby’s head to help gently guide your baby out of the birth canal.
• You may have pain and bruising in the vaginal area.
• Report any changes or new symptoms to your health care provider.