A–Z Glossary

Subgaleal hemorrhage

Potentially life-threatening bleeding between the scalp’s connective tissues and skull that can cause significant blood loss in a newborn.

← Back to A–Z Glossary

Search results for: Subgaleal hemorrhage

Physical effects of assisted delivery on the body

Physical effects of assisted delivery on the body

How an assisted vaginal birth affects the body During an assisted vaginal birth, an obstetric clinician applies forceps around the fetal head or places a vacuum cup on the scalp. Traction is coordinated with uterine contractions and maternal pushing to guide descent and birth. The instrument does not act in isolation: fetal position, the depth […]

Impact of assisted delivery on baby

Impact of assisted delivery on baby

What assisted delivery means for the baby During an assisted vaginal birth, the baby is already low in the maternal pelvis and birth is expected to occur through the vagina. A vacuum cup attaches to the fetal scalp and provides traction during contractions and pushing. Forceps are curved instruments placed around the baby’s head to […]

When assisted delivery becomes risky

When assisted delivery becomes risky

What makes an assisted birth different Assisted vaginal delivery is used in the second stage of labor, when the cervix is fully dilated and the baby is low enough in the birth canal for an obstetric instrument to help guide birth. The two main options are forceps-assisted delivery and vacuum-assisted delivery. Forceps cradle the baby’s […]

Risks benefits and recovery after vacuum delivery

Risks benefits and recovery after vacuum delivery

What vacuum delivery means Vacuum delivery is an assisted vaginal delivery in which a clinician places a soft or rigid cup on the baby’s scalp and applies controlled suction. During a contraction and maternal pushing effort, the clinician gently guides the baby through the birth canal. The aim is not to pull the baby out […]

Vacuum-assisted delivery explained

Vacuum-assisted delivery explained

What vacuum-assisted delivery means Vacuum-assisted delivery, also called vacuum extraction or ventouse delivery, is a form of assisted vaginal delivery. In this procedure, an obstetric clinician places a suction cup on the top of the fetus’s head and uses controlled traction to help guide the baby through the birth canal while the birthing person pushes. […]