The birth of a child should be one of the happiest days for parents. But when doctors use forceps incorrectly during delivery, this special day can turn into a nightmare.
Forceps can help during difficult births. However, misusing them can lead to a harsh reality of lifelong birth injuries for the newest addition to your family.
Risks and injuries from forceps deliveries
Forceps look like large metal tongs. Doctors use these tools to help guide babies through the birth canal when problems happen. However, using too much force or using them incorrectly can hurt both mother and baby. It can cause:
- Facial injuries: Bruises, cuts, or even temporary facial paralysis from pressure on face nerves
- Eye trauma: Forceps placement near the eyes risks permanent vision damage
- Skull fractures: Cracks in the baby’s soft, developing skull
- Brain damage: Bleeding in the brain that can cause cerebral palsy or learning problems
- Seizure disorders: Brain injuries that cause seizures
- Arm and shoulder injuries: Nerve damage that affects arm movement
These injuries may require long-term medical care and therapy—sometimes for the child’s entire life.
Additionally, birth injuries aren’t limited to your baby. Forceps can also hurt and injure mothers. It can cause vaginal or rectal tears, damage to pelvic organs or bladder problems.
Safer alternatives for assisted delivery
Vacuum extraction is also potentially risky but offers a gentler approach for assisted deliveries. This uses gentle suction instead of metal instruments. While this method may reduce the risk of facial injuries and skull fractures, it requires careful technique.
C-sections provide another option when complications arise during labor. While surgery carries its own risks, planned C-sections are usually safer than emergency forceps deliveries.
Taking action for your child’s future
Poor forceps use can hurt you and your baby for life. Your doctor might have made a mistake if they rushed to use forceps without trying other options first, used too much force or refused other assisted birth options.
It’s wise to talk to an experienced medical malpractice attorney if your baby suffered any injuries or harm during the birth. They may help figure out if your doctor made mistakes and help you get justice and compensation.