Vacuum Extraction

Higher chance of tears, a head mark or bruise on the baby, and forceps may be preferred before 36 weeks.

The NHS describes ventouse and forceps as safe ways to deliver a baby, with some risks to discuss beforehand. For the mother, an estimated 4 in every 100 women having a ventouse delivery have a third or fourth degree tear, compared with 3 in 100 for vaginal births generally and 8 to 12 in 100 for forceps. Blood clots in the legs or pelvis and urinary incontinence are also more likely after an assisted birth. For the baby, the ventouse cup can leave a mark on the head, called a chignon, that usually disappears within 48 hours, and can cause a bruise called a cephalohaematoma that is usually nothing to worry about. Below 36 weeks of pregnancy forceps may be recommended instead, because they are less likely to damage the softer head of the baby.