Birth Injury and Method of Delivery

In May 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory to all practitioners who deliver babies. The advisory, entitled “Need for Caution When Using Vacuum Assisted Delivery Devices,” 1 was based on reports to the FDA of 12 deaths and 9 serious injuries during vacuum deliveries in the preceding four years. In the 12 years before that period, much smaller numbers of such complications had been reported. The advisory noted the most serious complications of vacuum delivery — subgaleal hematoma and intracranial hemorrhage — and emphasized that vacuum devices should be used only for specific obstetrical indications. . . .