Ventouse, also known as
vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery or
vacuum extraction (
VE), is a method to assist delivery of a baby using a
vacuum device. It is used in the second stage of
labour if it has not progressed adequately. It may be an alternative to a
forceps delivery and
caesarean section. It cannot be used when the baby is in the
breech position or for
premature births. The use of VE is generally safe, but it can occasionally have negative effects on either the mother or the child.The term comes from the French word for "suction cup."