• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cerebral Palsy Guidance

Answers and Assistance

877-862-8594phone iconCall
  • Cerebral Palsy
    • Types
    • Symptoms
    • Diagnosis
    • Prognosis
    • Causes
    • Associated Disorders
    • Gross Motor Classification System
    • Treatment
    • Life Expectancy
    • Myths
    • Risk Factors
    • Support Groups
    • Research
    • United Cerebral Palsy Association
    • Birth Injury Overview
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
    • Daily Communication
    • Physical Fitness
    • Toilet Training Tips
    • Eating and Feeding Tips
    • Wheelchairs and Scooters
    • Walkers, Canes, and Standers
    • Falling Issues
    • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
    • Conductive Education
    • Tips For Better Sleeping
    • Traveling Tips
    • Sports
    • Bullying
    • Inclusive Playgrounds
    • Respite Care
    • Transitioning to Adulthood
    • Vocational Counseling
    • College Guide
    • Finding a Job
    • Having Children
    • Costs
  • Financial Assistance
    • Government Assistance
    • Special Education Assistance
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
vacuum extractor cerebral palsy injury
Home > Cerebral Palsy > Cerebral Palsy Causes > Vacuum Extractor Injuries
Last Updated: December 22, 2021

Vacuum Extractor Injuries

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.

This article has been fact checked by a Board Certified Pediatrician. Sources of information for the article are listed at the bottom.

For any content issues please Contact Us.

Vacuum extractor injuries may result when doctors use this device to assist labor and delivery. There are important reasons why a doctor may choose to use this procedure, but there are also risks. Vacuum extraction can cause brain damage, which can lead to a variety of disabilities, including cerebral palsy.

How Does Vacuum Extraction Work?

This procedure uses a vacuum and suction to guide the baby out of the birth canal:

  • To use vacuum extraction, a cup is attached to the baby’s head.
  • A vacuum pump then produces suction, and the doctor uses a handle on the device to pull the baby out.[1]
  • The doctor typically combines the forces of the mother’s contraction with the pulling motion of the vacuum.

Why Do Doctors Use Vacuum Extractors?

Vacuum extraction is used to aid childbirth, and a doctor may choose to use it for several reasons. Generally, suction is used when labor isn’t progressing, or there is an urgent need to deliver the baby, either for the health of the mom or the child.[2]

Get Matched with a Leading Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy Attorney in Your Area

Get Help Now

When appropriately performed, vacuum extraction is less risky than a cesarean section. Some of the specific reasons this procedure may be used include:

  • The mother has a health issue. For instance, if the mother has a heart condition and the doctor is concerned that she is putting too much stress on her heart by pushing. Even if she does not have a specific health problem, when the mother is exhausted from pushing, vacuum extraction can help.
  • The baby’s heartbeat is abnormal. If the doctor notices something unusual in the baby’s heartbeat, it may be important to deliver immediately. In that case, vacuum extraction can be used to speed up the process.
  • Labor isn’t progressing. If labor is not progressing, despite the mother pushing, she may need assistance. This point is typically reached after two to three hours of pushing and no progression for first delivery and one to two hours with no progression for a woman who has given birth previously.

Reasons Not to Use Vacuum Extraction

Vacuum extraction can be safe, but there are times and situations in which it is generally not recommended:

  • The cup has to be attached to the baby’s head, so if the head cannot be found, this method won’t work.
  • If the head is not far enough down in the birth canal, vacuum extraction shouldn’t be applied either.
  • It should also not be used if the mother is less than 34 weeks along in her pregnancy.
  • If the baby has a known condition that weakens the bones or that may cause bleeding, vacuum extraction is too risky. It may cause dangerous bleeding or broken bones in the baby.
  • Another reason to not use vacuum extraction and perform a cesarean section delivery as an alternative is if the size of the baby is a concern. The baby may be too large to fit through the birth canal.

The Risks of Using Vacuum Extraction

Using suction from a vacuum extractor to help guide the baby from the birth canal may help prevent the need for a cesarean section and get the baby delivered sooner to avoid certain health problems. Still, it can also pose risks of its own. The risks to the mother include:

  • Tears and damage to the tissue in the lower genital tract
  • Pain after labor and delivery
  • Blood loss and subsequent anemia
  • Muscle and ligament weakness around the pelvic organs
  • Urinary or fecal incontinence, which may be temporary or permanent

Vacuum extraction can cause complications in the baby too:

  • Bleeding and wounds on the scalp
  • Stretching of the nerves along the neck, which can cause Erb’s palsy or a brachial plexus injury
  • Bleeding under the skin or in the brain
  • Bleeding in the eyes
  • A skull fracture
  • Neonatal jaundice
  • Brain damage, which may lead to permanent disability

Examples of Vacuum Extraction Birth Injuries

In a case from 2014, a jury awarded a family $55 million after their baby suffered irreversible damage during delivery due to decisions made by the delivering doctor. The baby was showing signs of fetal distress, the parents claimed, but the doctor did not notice them until the baby had already been deprived of oxygen.[3]

The mother then struggled to deliver the baby, who was large, and the doctor used vacuum extraction instead of a cesarean section to assist the delivery. This, the parents claimed, caused further oxygen deprivation. The baby developed cerebral palsy as a result of brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen.

In another case, a 12-year-old boy was awarded $4 million for the permanent brain damage he suffered after his doctor used a vacuum extractor during his delivery. The mother and her attorneys found several faults with the doctor’s decisions, including a failure to order a cesarean section because of her small pelvis. [4]

The doctor used vacuum extraction instead, without the mother’s permission, and when the fetus’s location was unclear. As a result, the device was not placed on the baby correctly. He ended up with brain damage and needs support for the rest of his life.

If your child suffered brain damage or some other type of birth injury as a result of the use of vacuum extraction during your delivery, your doctor might be guilty of malpractice. A birth injury lawyer can help you determine if you have a case and if your doctor is to blame.

Your child may need care and support into adulthood, which can be expensive. You may be entitled to compensation either through a settlement or a jury award in a trial.

Get Matched with a Leading Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy Attorney in Your Area

Get Help Now

References

  1. Vacuum Extraction. (2018, September 15). Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic.
    Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vacuum-extraction/basics/definition/prc-20020448
  2. Vacuum-Assisted Vaginal Delivery. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC).
    Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2672989/
  3. Jury Awards Family $55 Million for Boy's Injuries at Birth at St. Luke's University Hospital. (2013, December 24). Lehighvalleylive.
    Retrieved from: http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/lehigh-county/index.ssf/2013/12/lehigh_county_jury_awards_fami.html
  4. Zubeck, P. (2017, August 2). Memorial Hospital, Doctor Sued After Infant Delivery Results in Brain Damage. Colorado Springs Independent.
    Retrieved from: https://www.csindy.com/coloradosprings/memorial-hospital-doctor-sued-after-infant-delivery-results-in-brain-damage/Content?oid=6579866
View All References
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.

Dr. Poinsett is a board certified pediatrician. She is a graduate of The University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, and has over 20 years of clinical experience. She has extensive experience in the case management of children with special mental health and physical health care needs, including developmental disabilities.

See Full Bio

Navigate This Page
  • How Vacuum Extraction Works
  • Why Suction Is Used in Childbirth
  • Reasons Not to Use Vacuum Extraction
  • The Risks of Using Vacuum Extraction
  • Examples of Vacuum Extraction Birth Injuries

Primary Sidebar

Get Matched with a Leading Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy Attorney in Your Area

Get Help Now
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy in Newborns
Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers
Severe Cerebral Palsy
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic
Atonic (Hypotonic)
Dyskinetic Athetoid
Dystonic
Hypertonic
Mixed
Non-Spastic
Spastic
Spastic Diplegia
Spastic Hemiplegia
Spastic Quadriplegia
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
How Cerebral Palsy Affects the Brain and Body Parts
Cerebral Palsy Causes
Birth Asphyxia
Prolonged Labor
Delayed C-Section
Forceps Delivery Injuries
Vacuum Extractor Injuries
Nuchal Cord Birth Injuries
Uterine Rupture and Birth Injury
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
Failure to Diagnose
Chorioamnionitis
Improper NICU Care
Traumatic Brain Injury
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Hydrocephalus
Pitocin Errors
Anesthesia Errors
Infertility Drugs
Cerebral Dysgenesis and Cerebral Palsy
Jaundice
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
Placental Problems
Epidural Hematoma
Perinatal Stroke
Acquired Brain Injuries and Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders
Mobility Issues
Pain
Cognitive Issues
Developmental Delays
Cerebral Palsy and Post-Impairment Syndrome
Seizures
Epilepsy
Malnutrition
Respiratory Health
Hearing Problems
Vision Impairment
Arthritis
Depression
Sleep Issues
Dysphagia
Oral Health Issues
Skin Conditions
Digestive Issues and Health
Emotional Issues
Behavioral Disorders
Autism
Down Syndrome
ADHD
Diabetes
Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Imaging Tests
Cerebral Palsy Prognosis
Cerebral Palsy Gross Motor Classification System
Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Cerebral Palsy Specialists
Nutrition Therapy
Chiropractic Care
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Medications
Seizure Medications
Anticonvulsants
Muscle Relaxants
Stem Cell Therapy
Surgery
Aquatic Therapy
Acupuncture Therapy
Botox Treatment
Hippotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Massage Therapy
Physical Therapy
Homeopathy
Yoga
Pilates
Intensive Suit Therapy
Medical Marijuana
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Osteopathic Manipulation
Anat Baniel Method and NeuroMovement
Pet Therapy
Cerebral Palsy Cure
Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy
Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors
High-Risk Pregnancy
Risk Factor Causal Pathways
Premature Birth
Birth Complications
Post-term Pregnancy
Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Maternal and Fetal Infections
Blood Type Incompatibility
Multiple Births
Parental Habits and Health
Cerebral Palsy Support Groups and Organizations
Cerebral Palsy Research
Cerebral Palsy History
Facts and Statistics
Prevalence and Incidence
Cerebral Palsy Myths
Cerebral Palsy Prevention
Cerebral Palsy Misdiagnosis
United Cerebral Palsy Association
Living With Cerebral Palsy
Costs
Orthopedic Health
Neurological Health
Daily Communication
Physical Fitness
Abuse
Toilet Training Tips
Eating and Feeding Tips
Wheelchairs and Scooters
Wheelchair-accessible Vans
Walkers, Canes, and Standers
Adaptive Bikes
Affordable Transportation
Assistive Technology
Falling Issues
Home Modifications
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Conductive Education
Tips For Better Sleeping
Traveling Tips
Sports
Bullying
Inclusive Playgrounds
Respite Care
Faith
Engaging in the Arts
Transitioning to Adulthood
LGBT
Vocational Counseling
College Guide
Teacher Tips for Inclusive Classrooms
Finding a Job
Having Children
Veterans
Fostering or Adopting a Child with CP
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Emergency Preparedness
Financial Assistance
Government Assistance
Title V MCH Benefits
Special Education Assistance
Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Alabama
Huntsville
Alaska
Anchorage
Arizona
Phoenix
Arkansas
Little Rock
California
Los Angeles
Colorado
Denver
Connecticut
Bridgeport
Delaware
Wilmington
Florida
Jacksonville
Georgia
Atlanta
Hawaii
Honolulu
Idaho
Boise
Illinois
Chicago
Indiana
Indianapolis
Iowa
Des Moines
Kansas
Wichita
Kentucky
Louisville
Louisiana
New Orleans
Maine
Portland, Maine
Maryland
Baltimore
Massachusetts
Boston
Michigan
Detroit
Minnesota
Minneapolis
Mississippi
Jackson
Missouri
Kansas City
Montana
Billings
Nebraska
Omaha
Nevada
Las Vegas
New Hampshire
Manchester
New Jersey
Newark
New Mexico
Albuquerque
New York
New York City
North Carolina
Charlotte
North Dakota
Fargo
Ohio
Columbus
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
Oregon
Portland
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Rhode Island
Providence
South Carolina
Columbia
South Dakota
Sioux Falls
Tennessee
Nashville
Texas
Houston
Utah
Salt Lake City
Vermont
Burlington
Virginia
Virginia Beach
Washington
Seattle
West Virginia
Charleston
Wisconsin
Milwaukee
Wyoming
Cheyenne
Medical Malpractice
Claim for Compensation
Lawsuit
Settlement
Statute of Limitations
Life Care Plan
Goals
Evaluation
Diagnosis
Care Team
Record Keeping and Documents
Birth Injury
Treatment
Causes
Failure to Monitor
Symptoms
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Skull Fracture
Treatment
Symptoms
Causes
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Brain Damage
Prognosis
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Settlement
Infant Wrongful Death
Causes
Intrauterine Fetal Demise (Stillbirth)
Claim for Compensation
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Grieving the Loss of a Baby
Erb’s Palsy
Symptoms
Prognosis
Treatment
Causes
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Brachial Plexus Injury
Causes
Prognosis
Symptoms
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Settlement
Claim for Compensation
Klumpke’s Palsy
Lawyer
Lawsuit

© 2023 CerebralPalsyGuidance.com · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer

The information provided by CerebralPalsyGuidance.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
  • Financial Assistance
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
210 W. Division St. Syracuse, NY 13204

We provide nationwide assistance

Facebook Twitter
Learn About Our Editorial Guidelines