9 Birth Injuries That Can Be Caused by Forceps

The arrival of a newborn is one of the happiest moments in a family’s life, but complications during delivery can quickly turn this happiness into a stressful and frightening experience.

When labour becomes difficult or the mother and/or baby are at risk, doctors may turn to tools like forceps to assist in delivery. Although proven to be a lifesaving tool in emergencies, their improper use can lead to serious birth injuries, leaving families to face lifelong consequences.

Their risks range from nerve damage to skull fractures and even brain injuries if not used correctly, thus resulting in long-term disabilities that require extensive medical care, ongoing therapy, and continuous support.

The advancements in Cesarean sections (C-sections), combined with increased awareness of the risks associated with forceps, have made this method far less common.

Supporting this shift, a landmark study in 2017 revealed that forceps and vacuum-assisted deliveries result in higher rates of physical trauma to both mothers and babies when compared to C-sections.

Despite this decline, complications from forceps use still occur, and when they do, families may consider legal action to address potential birth malpractice. Filing a birth malpractice suit can help families recover financial damages for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional pain. More importantly, it holds negligent parties accountable and can encourage safer practices in the future.

In such events, the services of birth injury lawyers become essential. These professionals thoroughly investigate and review medical records, consult with experts, and identify errors that may have occurred during delivery.

This blog post will explore the concept of forceps delivery, discuss nine potential injuries caused by this method, and explain how birth malpractice lawyers can help you fight for justice.

What is a forceps delivery?

Forceps are specialized medical instruments used during vaginal delivery to assist in guiding a baby out of the birth canal. They are shaped like large tongs, designed to gently grip the baby’s head and provide the doctor with additional leverage to pull the baby out safely. While forceps delivery can be a necessary intervention in certain situations, it carries risks and is usually considered a last resort due to the potential for birth trauma. 

Some common scenarios where forceps are used include instances where the mother’s cervix is fully dilated, the membranes have ruptured, and the baby has descended into the birth canal, but labour is not progressing as expected. This can happen if the mother is pushing, but the baby does not move down the birth canal, or if the baby’s heartbeat indicates distress, requiring urgent intervention.

Other reasons for forceps use may include maternal medical complications, such as high blood pressure or exhaustion, which prevent the mother from pushing effectively.

In these cases, forceps can be essential to avoid more invasive procedures like an emergency C-section. Medical birth negligence during a forceps procedure, such as improper handling or failure to act promptly in cases of complications, may lead to preventable injuries for both the mother and baby.

Therefore, medical professionals must exercise caution and adhere to the highest standards of Canada’s healthcare when performing a forceps delivery.

Clear communication is a must, as it enables patients to understand that while forceps can be life-saving in specific cases, they are not without their dangers and should only be used when absolutely required for safe delivery.

The Risks Associated With Forceps Deliveries

There are certain risks related to forceps deliveries to both the mother and baby that can cause severe birth trauma to them during delivery. The proper placement of the forceps is critical. Any improper placement and pressure on the baby’s soft head can cause lifelong birth injuries that might need extensive medical care in the future.

The improper use of forceps can cause many birth injuries, including the following for babies:

1. 1. Cerebral palsy
2. 2. Skull fractures
3. 3. Seizures
4. 4. Bleeding within the skull
5. 5. Facial injuries, lacerations, and disfigurement
6. 6. Facial paralysis due to damaged nerves
7. 7. External eye trauma
8. 8. Traumatic brain injury
9. 9. Brachial plexus palsy

Mothers also have an increased risk of injuries, which include:

• Uterine rupture
• Tearing or pain in the perineum
• Lower genital tract tears
• Injuries to the bladder or urethra
• Muscle and ligament weakening in the pelvic organs

When should a forceps delivery be avoided?

In many of the same situations that might result in a forceps delivery, a C-section would also be a viable option. There are several important reasons a doctor will not choose to use forceps and instead perform a surgical procedure. For example, if the baby has a medical condition that affects the strength of its bones, forceps are likely to cause damage.

If the baby has not descended far enough into the birth canal, the use of forceps should also be dismissed. Plus, if the size of the mother’s pelvis makes delivery difficult, then a C-section can be chosen over pulling the baby out with forceps.

Serious Birth Injuries Due to a Forceps Delivery

There is a risk of serious and permanent birth injury due to a forceps delivery. Excessive pressure on the infant’s soft skull is all it takes to cause irreparable brain damage.

Cerebral palsy is one example of the type of permanent disability that can result from a forceps delivery. Improper pressure on the baby’s brain causes brain damage, which is the underlying cause of cerebral palsy. The extent of the damage can lead to mild, moderate, or severe cerebral palsy.

Another common injury due to a forceps delivery includes infant shoulder dystocia, which happens during delivery when the baby’s shoulders become stuck in the mother’s pelvic region. In these instances, the baby’s head is usually out of the birth canal and the delivery must be completed as quickly as possible before causing serious injury to the baby.

Forceps may be used in these cases, but the baby can suffer from broken bones, facial injuries, and brachial plexus palsy. Using forceps can be a difficult decision, but when there’s little time for a safe delivery, it may be the right course to take.

When Obstetric Negligence Occurs

If a doctor mistakenly uses the forceps resulting in birth injuries, they should be held accountable. Sometimes, the use of forceps is the wrong decision and causes you or your child to suffer needlessly.

If your doctor is aware that the use of forceps is dangerous, but chooses to ignore this risk before using the forceps, they can be held liable for injuries that you or your infant suffered as a result.

Birth injuries are serious and can adversely alter your child’s life forever. This is the reason why no one should have to live with the consequences of a negligent forceps delivery—least of all your child.

If you are a parent who has a child or children who have been injured by a forceps-assisted delivery, you should contact an experienced birth injury lawyer at Sommers Roth & Elmaleh today.

We can help you review all of your legal options. While not every injury is a result of birth negligence, your birth injury attorney can help you examine your case to make sure that your doctor or medical institution did not act negligently during labour and delivery.

Consulting a Birth Injury Lawyer

If you suspect that your baby has suffered an injury due to medical negligence during childbirth, consulting a birth defect lawyer can help you seek justice and compensation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Research for experienced lawyers

Begin by searching for the best birth defect lawyers who specialize in handling cases like yours. Keep an eye out for lawyers with proven experience in birth injury claims and a track record of success.

2. Schedule an initial consultation

Once you have identified potential birth trauma lawyers, book a free consultation to discuss your case. During this meeting, share all the details about the childbirth incident, the injuries sustained, and any medical records you have. A reputable birth defect lawyer will assess whether your case has merit.

3. Understand the legal process

The lawyer will explain the steps involved in filing a birth injury lawsuit, including gathering evidence, working with medical experts, and negotiating with insurance companies. They will also outline any deadlines, such as the statute of limitations for your case.

4. Provide necessary documentation

Compile all relevant documents such as medical records, bills, and any correspondence with healthcare providers. These materials will help birth trauma lawyers build a strong case.

5. Discuss legal fees and agreements

Most birth injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. It is important to clarify fee arrangements before proceeding.

6. File the lawsuit

Once your lawyer has built an evidence-based case, they will file the birth injury lawsuit on your behalf and, when necessary, represent you throughout the legal processes, from negotiation to trial (if needed).

Contact Our Birth Injury Lawyers Today

If your infant suffered an injury and a forceps-assisted delivery was used, we can help you. At Sommers Roth & Elmaleh, our birth injury lawyers understand that if your child suffered a birth injury, you might be scared or anxious about their future.

We have won millions of dollars on behalf of clients affected by a birth injury. These funds can be used to help you pay for medical expenses, care, and future surgeries or medical procedures for your child.

If you would like to know more about obstetric negligence litigation, call Sommers Roth & Elmaleh at 1-844-940-2386 or contact us here.