Can Vacuum Extraction Cause Birth Injuries? | Legal FAQ
Vacuum extraction is a common method used to assist with delivery when a mother is exhausted or the baby is not progressing through the birth canal. However, while it can prevent a C-section, it also carries significant risks for the newborn if not performed with extreme care.
In this video, we discuss the potential side effects of vacuum-assisted delivery, ranging from external bruising to serious internal injuries like brain bleeding and skull damage. Understanding these risks is crucial for families who believe their child may have suffered a preventable birth injury.
Key Topics in This Video:
[00:06] What is vacuum extraction and why is it used?
[00:42] Common side effects and physical risks to the baby.
[00:52] The potential for serious brain damage and internal bleeding.
[01:05] Why excessive or unnecessary "pulls" can lead to long-term injury.
About Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. Our firm is dedicated to representing families whose children have suffered catastrophic birth injuries due to medical negligence. We have the resources and experience to investigate complex medical records and fight for the compensation your family needs for lifelong care.
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Transcript
Heidi Wickstrom:
One way to help move a baby actually out of the birth canal and deliver the baby is through a method called vacuum extraction. Vacuum extraction actually is similar to a cup-like process that's placed on the baby's head, and the vacuum helps actually pull the head, give the head a little bit more of that last progression through the birth canal that may be needed if mom's been pushing for a while and she's getting tired, or baby just isn't moving along through the birth canal fast enough, but is at a point where they're very close to delivery and a vacuum could be used to get baby out instead of moving to a cesarean section. So some of the side effects that can be involved with using a vacuum, as you can imagine, it's something that's applied to the baby's head. So, there can be damage to the baby's skull, which could result in a potential for brain damage, brain bleeding. There could be bruising on the baby's head or on the baby's face. There could be injuries potentially to the baby's neck from being pulled if the vacuum is used too frequently or too much, basically, too many pulls on the baby's head when that's not necessary. That could result potentially in long-term damage to baby.
