If you are in your last trimester of your pregnancy, here is something you need to read. The last trimester is one of anxiety, waiting, and confusion. Your partner and you are confused and probably worried about the birth and the things that come after. The most common confusion is the birthing method. Many couples think of exploring birthing options.
There are a number of birthing techniques such as natural delivery, caesarean section, vaccum assited delivery. However, each of these options ahve their own side effects and certain complications. It is best to read and know about each of these techniques beforehand so as to take the necessary steps pre and post birth. Here is everything you need to about one of the above mentioned techniques, vaccum assisted delivery:
What Is Vacuum Assisted Delivery?
In a vaccum assisted birth, a vaccum extractor is used to help pull the baby through the birth canal.
When To Opt A Vacuum Assisted Birth?
Sometimes, doctors may recommend a vacuum assisted birth if you experience any of these troubles:
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If Your Labor Is showing No Progress
If you are pushing for a few hours with no progress or results, your doctor may stalll your labor. Especially if this is your first baby. If this is not your first baby, your doctor may stall your labor after one or two hours of pushing with no results.
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Your Baby’s Heartbeat Shows Some Distress
If there are any issues with your baby’s heartbeat, your doctor may advise you to opt for vacuum assisted birth. This could be a change in your baby’s heartbeat which could be a sign of your baby’s distress.
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Health Complications
If you have any health complications, your doctor may advise you to opt for a vaccum assisted birth in order to ensure your baby’s and your health’s safety. This is because, in a vacuum assisted birth, you may not need to push the baby as much as in a natural birth.
Vacuum Assisted Birth Complications
As mentioned earlier, each birthing technique comes with its own risks and complications to you and your baby. A vacuum assisted brith too, comes with a few risks and complications. Take a look at the probablr complications:
Risks You May Encounter
- You may experience terrible pain in your perineum- the area that lies between your vagina and anus, post delivery.
- You may suffer from tears and wounds in your lower genital tract.
- You may face difficulty in urinating for a short-term.
- You may face urinary or fecal incontinence, in the short run. This means that you will not be able to control the passing of your urine or stool.
- You may experience anemia due to the blood loss during delivery. In anemia, you will not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues.
- Your pelvic muscles may become weak which may lead to pelvic organ prolapse, a condition in which your pelvic organs slip out of their place.
Risks To Your Baby
- Scalp Injuries.
- A probable fracture in the collar bone.
- Nerve injury. Especiallly the nerves which send signals from your baby’s spine to shoulder, hands, and arms.
- A skull fracture.
- Injury and bleeding in the skull.
If you opt for a vacuum assisted delivery or your doctor advised you to do so, your doctor may retain your baby in the hospital a little longer than usual. This will help the doctor monitor your newborn and rule out any complications or probable issues. Even after you go home, your doctor may ask you to take extra care and watch out for anything unsual. Talk to your doctor about all of this beforehand to ensure your baby is healthy.
