Vacuum extraction (VE), also known as ventouse (French for suction cup), is a method to assist delivery of a baby using a vacuum device. It is used in the second stage of labor if that stage has not progressed adequately. It may be an alternative to a forceps delivery or caesarean section.
Find out about assisted birth or assisted delivery, where forceps or vacuum (ventouse) are used to help deliver the baby.
A ventouse delivery, also known as vacuum extraction, is a form of assisted vaginal delivery. The procedure involves attaching a soft or rigid cup to the baby’s head using a vacuum seal.
Key facts Assisted birth is when forceps or a vacuum cup called a ventouse are used to help during a vaginal birth. About 1 in 10 babies are born by assisted delivery. You can ask your doctor or midwife about assisted delivery when discussing your birth plan. You will be offered an assisted delivery when it is the safest way for your baby to be ...
Vacuum extraction (or vacuum-assisted delivery) is one way obstetricians can assist with the delivery of your baby while you’re pushing. During the pushing stage of labor, sometimes things slow down. You’re pushing, but your baby isn’t coming out. This can last for hours without much progress.
What happens during a ventouse birth? A metal or plastic ventouse vacuum cup will be attached to your baby’s head using suction.
A ventouse (vacuum cup) is an instrument that uses suction to attach a plastic or metal cup on to your baby’s head. Your healthcare professional will wait until you are having a contraction and then ask you to push while they pull to help you give birth.