Ventouse (from French meaning "suction cup", aka vacuum extraction, VE) is a method to assist delivery of a baby, using a vacuum device.

• Maternal cervix has to be fully dilated
• Head engaged in the birth canal
• Head position known

• Maternal exhaustion
• Prolonged 2nd stage of labor
• Fetal distress in the 2nd stage of labor, as indicated by the CTG
• Maternal illness where prolonged pushing or bearing down is risky, e.g. cardiac conditions, BP, aneurysm, glaucoma. In these situations, an elective C section may be performed

• Woman is placed in the lithotomy position, and assists by pushing
• Suction cup is placed onto the head of the baby, and the suction draws the skin from the scalp into the cup. It si important to correctly place the cup directly over the flexion point, about 3cm anterior from the occipital/posterior fontanelle
• The device has handles to allow for traction
• When the baby's head is delivered, the device is detached

• Episiotomy may not be required
• Mother still takes an active role in the birth
• No special anesthesia is required
• Force applied to the baby can be less than that of a forceps delivery, and leaves no marks on the face
• Less potential for maternal trauma, compared to forceps and C section

• Breech position
• Premature births

• Chignon, a temporary lump on its head
• Cephalohematoma
• Subgaleal hemorrhage

• Generally safe
• Can have negative effects on either the mother or child
• If it fails, delivery may be required by forceps or C section

• Forceps
• C-section