The Fetal Pillow is a balloon device that is used in obstetrics. It is used to elevate the fetal head when it is deep in the pelvic cavity before performing a caesarean section. This often occurs when the caesarean section is carried out late in labour at full dilation of the cervix.
The device was invented by Dr Rajiv Varma, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecological surgeon based in England. The device was first described in 2007, where it was reported to make the delivery of the head easier and reduced the risk of complications for the mother and baby that occur when a caesarean section is carried out at full dilation. These included reduced risk of bleeding during the caesarean section and also prevented injuries to the baby that are caused when the delivery of baby is difficult due to its deep position in the pelvic cavity.
The device is a silicone balloon that inflates only in one direction, it is inserted below the baby’s head and inflated using saline fluid with a syringe. This forms a bubble of fluid under the baby’s head and elevates it, making the delivery by the surgeon less traumatic to the mother and baby.