Why it's done

A vacuum extraction might be considered if your labor meets certain criteria — your cervix is fully dilated, your membranes have ruptured, and your baby has descended into the birth canal headfirst, but you're not able to push the baby out. A vacuum extraction is only appropriate in a birthing center or hospital where a C-section can be done, if needed.

Your health care provider might recommend vacuum extraction if:

• You're pushing, but labor isn't progressing. Labor is considered prolonged if you haven't made progress after a certain period of time.
• Your baby's heartbeat suggests a problem. If your health care provider is concerned about changes in your baby's heartbeat and an immediate delivery is necessary, he or she might recommend vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery.
• You have a health concern. If you have certain medical conditions — such as narrowing of the heart's aortic valve (aortic valve stenosis) — your health care provider might limit the amount of time you push.

Your health care provider might caution against vacuum extraction if:

• You're less than 34 weeks pregnant
• Your baby has a condition that affects the strength of his or her bones, such as osteogenesis imperfecta, or a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia
• Your baby's head hasn't yet moved past the midpoint of the birth canal
• The position of your baby's head isn't known
• Your baby's shoulders, arms, buttocks or feet are leading the way through the birth canal
• Your baby might not be able to fit through your pelvis due to his or her size or the size of your pelvis