Forceps delivery is a type of assisted vaginal delivery where medical professionals use specially designed instruments that look like large spoons or tongs. These instruments are carefully positioned around your baby’s head to help guide them through the birth canal during contractions.
This can be necessary in some situations to prevent a birth injury. However, improper use of forceps can lead to serious injuries that may rise to the level of malpractice.
We understand the emotional toll of learning your baby was harmed during delivery. Our forceps delivery injury lawyers in Phoenix have helped many families navigate the complex aftermath of forceps-related birth trauma. Let us explain what you need to know about forceps delivery.
The Risks of Forceps Delivery
While obstetrical forceps can be vital in certain situations, their use requires extensive training and experience. Medical staff must carefully evaluate whether forceps delivery is appropriate based on factors like:
- Position of the baby
- Stage of labor
- Size of the birth canal
- Mother’s health conditions
When forceps are used incorrectly or in situations where they shouldn’t be used at all, serious injuries can occur. Some common forceps-related injuries include:
- Facial injuries and bruising that may heal within days or weeks
- Skull fractures that could lead to brain damage or developmental issues
- Nerve damage affecting facial movements or other bodily functions
Some forceps injuries can affect your child’s development and quality of life for the rest of their lives and may be signs that forceps were misused. These include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Seizure disorders
- Vision or hearing problems
- Cognitive delays
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
When Forceps Delivery May Be Necessary
In some situations, your doctor might determine that forceps delivery is medically necessary to ensure a safe birth. Common scenarios include:
- Prolonged second stage of labor when pushing hasn’t moved the baby far enough down the birth canal.
- Maternal exhaustion when the mother is too tired to continue pushing effectively
- Fetal distress when the baby’s heart rate indicates they need to be delivered quickly
In short, forceps delivery is used when leaving the baby in the birth canal becomes medically dangerous. Leaving a struggling baby in the canal can cause numerous dangerous birth injuries, including umbilical cord problems or hypoxia (lack of oxygen).
Recovery After a Forceps Delivery
After a forceps delivery, both mother and baby require careful monitoring. Normal forceps usage can create some temporary side effects. There may be slight bruising or marks on the face or head that fade within days or minor swelling around the cheeks or eyes.
One alarming symptom is a temporary misshaping of the head from the pressure of the forceps. This should resolve naturally, but if it doesn’t, then you may have a case.
When May Forceps Use Become Medical Malpractice?
Not every forceps-related injury is the result of medical malpractice. However, certain situations may indicate negligence:
- Failure to recognize contraindications for forceps use
- Improper technique during the delivery
- Delayed decision to switch to cesarean section when forceps attempts fail
One of the challenges of linking forceps to a birth injury is that they’re used when there is already a problem. Proving that the injury was caused by the forceps delivery instead of the original problem can be impossible without the help of a birth injury lawyer and a second opinion from a doctor.
"We know first-hand what you are going through."
Dangerous Signs After a Forceps Delivery
Certain symptoms may indicate a more serious injury that requires immediate medical attention and legal consultation with a birth injury lawyer. Watch for these red flags in the first few days after birth:
- Seizures or unusual movements
- Difficulty breathing or irregular breathing patterns
- Lack of movement in any part of the body
- Asymmetrical facial movements when crying
- Unusual eye movements or inability to focus
- Excessive drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Bruising that worsens instead of improving
- Swelling that increases after leaving the hospital
- Difficulty feeding or latching
- Unusual crying or irritability that persists
Some signs of forceps injury may not be immediately apparent but develop over weeks or months:
- Delayed growth on one side of the face
- Persistent head tilt
- Difficulty tracking objects with eyes
- Muscle weakness or stiffness
- Problems with sucking or swallowing
- Missing typical milestones
- Asymmetrical movements when crawling or moving
- Delayed motor skills development
- Difficulty with head control
- Unusual hand preferences before 6 months
Documentation for Your Case
If you notice any concerning symptoms, take these important steps:
- Keep a detailed diary of symptoms and when they appear.
- Take photos of visible injuries or symptoms.
- Save all medical records and correspondence.
- Document any communication with healthcare providers.
This documentation can be crucial if you need to pursue legal action for your child’s injuries.
"Our Birth Injury Lawyers have recovered over $750+ Million on behalf of our clients."
Contact Our Birth Injury Lawyers if Forceps Delivery Harmed Your Baby
If your child suffered injuries during a forceps delivery and you believe it was done through negligence, find out if you have a case. We can connect you with a birth injury lawyer in your state who is ready to help you learn your legal options.
Let our experienced birth injury lawyers review your case and help determine the best path forward for your family. Contact us for a free consultation about your child’s forceps-related birth injury case.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."