Prerequisites for vacuum extractor use include:
Complications can include vaginal lacerations from entrapment of vaginal
mucosa between the suction cup and fetal head (maternal), neonatal
cephalohematoma and scalp lacerations (common), and life-threatening
complications of subgaleal hematoma or intracranial hemorrhage
(uncommon but associated with vacuum duration >10 min) (neonatal).
Prolonged second stage: This may be because of dysfunctional labor or
suboptimal fetal head orientation.
Nonreassuring EFM strip: The FHR monitor pattern suggests the fetus is
not tolerating labor.
Avoid maternal pushing: These include various conditions in which pushing
efforts may be hazardous to the parturient, e.g., cardiac, pulmonary, or
neurologic disorders.Clinically adequate pelvic dimension
Experienced operator
Full cervical dilation
Engaged fetal head
Gestational age ≥34 weeks