In the U.S., childbirth is the main reason for hospitalization and accounts for more than $16 billion in hospital costs every year. Of the more than 4 million U.S. births a year, approximately 140,000 involve the use of assistive vaginal delivery techniques. Although tools to assist in delivery have been utilized for decades, birth injuries related to the use of these devices are still possible. For example, the vacuum-extraction tool is beneficial during a difficult delivery; however, its use can cause several medical issues if it is used improperly.
A Vacuum Extraction – The Procedure
When an obstetrician decides to use a vacuum extractor, he or she applies a cup to the baby’s head: This cup is placed during a contraction. The cup is placed …show more content…
Symptoms may include:
A bulging fontanelle (soft-spot) Bradycardia (an abnormally slow heartbeat) Convulsions Apnea (sleep disorder causing individuals to stop breathing repeatedly) Shock Lethargy (fatigue) Irritability (excessive crying) Obtundation (a decreased consciousness level) Poor feeding
2. Subaponeurotic Hematoma
This condition occurs when the emissary veins become damaged: Blood begins accumulating under the fibrous tissue of the scalp muscle and the dense vascular connective tissue (periosteum) that envelopes the bones of the skull.
This condition could lead to a life-threatening hemorrhage.
Symptoms may include:
Swelling of the head – this swelling is usually spread out across the head, the fluid indents upon palpation and shifts when the baby’s head is repositioned. Hypovolemic shock – a fast heartbeat, abnormally low blood pressure, lack of color and increased respiration.
Possible Risks to the Mother
The mother is also vulnerable to suffering injuries during a vacuum extraction procedure.
These injuries may include:
Wounds and tears in the lower genital
A Vacuum Extraction – The Procedure
When an obstetrician decides to use a vacuum extractor, he or she applies a cup to the baby’s head: This cup is placed during a contraction. The cup is placed …show more content…
Symptoms may include:
A bulging fontanelle (soft-spot) Bradycardia (an abnormally slow heartbeat) Convulsions Apnea (sleep disorder causing individuals to stop breathing repeatedly) Shock Lethargy (fatigue) Irritability (excessive crying) Obtundation (a decreased consciousness level) Poor feeding
2. Subaponeurotic Hematoma
This condition occurs when the emissary veins become damaged: Blood begins accumulating under the fibrous tissue of the scalp muscle and the dense vascular connective tissue (periosteum) that envelopes the bones of the skull.
This condition could lead to a life-threatening hemorrhage.
Symptoms may include:
Swelling of the head – this swelling is usually spread out across the head, the fluid indents upon palpation and shifts when the baby’s head is repositioned. Hypovolemic shock – a fast heartbeat, abnormally low blood pressure, lack of color and increased respiration.
Possible Risks to the Mother
The mother is also vulnerable to suffering injuries during a vacuum extraction procedure.
These injuries may include:
Wounds and tears in the lower genital