Vacuum-Aided Deliveries
While you may think that vaginal deliveries occur unaided, there is actually a type of assisted vaginal labor called operative vaginal delivery. Obstetricians can use special tools such as vacuums to help remove the baby if problems occur and it is too late for the mother to undergo a caesarean section.
Although vacuums can be life-saving if a baby is stuck in the birth canal, they can also cause serious injuries if they are wielded by incautious doctors. Some of these injuries can even be permanent. If your baby has suffered from a birth injury due to the improper use of vacuums, contact a Philadelphia birth injury lawyer from the respected firm of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 215-238-1130.
When Obstetricians Reach for Vacuums
If a soon-to-be mother and her doctor plan for a vaginal delivery, chances are that they do not expect it to be a complicated labor. However, both maternal and fetal problems can arise during delivery that makes it necessary for a doctor to help remove the baby with a vacuum. Some reasons include:
- Prolonged delivery – such as the mother becomes too tired or anesthetized to push
- Maternal health issues – pulmonary hypertension, history of stroke, aneurysm, etc., can make it dangerous for a mother to spend a long time in labor
- Fetal problems – if the baby shows an abnormal heart rate, a vacuum can help remove the baby as quickly as possible so that it can receive medical attention
- Wrong presentation – if the baby’s head is facing the wrong way
Contact Us
Sadly, although vacuums can be very helpful, they can also be dangerous if used by a negligent obstetrician. For more information, contact the Philadelphia birth injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 215-238-1130 to discuss your case.