A forceps delivery is a type of assisted vaginal delivery. This procedure involves the use of a medical instrument called forceps, which resemble large, curved tongs or spoons. The forceps are applied to the baby’s head to help guide it through the birth canal during contractions.
When Forceps Delivery is Typically Used
There are a few different scenarios where your healthcare team may suggest the use of forceps to help deliver your baby.
These include:
- Prolonged Labor: When labor has stalled, and the mother has been pushing for an extended period without significant progress.
- Fetal Distress: When the baby’s heart rate indicates that they are in distress and need to be delivered quickly.
- Maternal Exhaustion: When the mother is too exhausted to continue pushing effectively.
- Medical Conditions: In cases where the mother has certain medical conditions, such as severe cardiac disease, which may make prolonged pushing unsafe.
- Malposition: When the baby is in an unfavorable position (e.g., facing upwards instead of downwards) but can still be delivered vaginally with assistance.
Types of Forceps Injuries to Infants
Common injuries include ones that typically heal within a few days to a week without long-term effects, such as bruising and swelling, or cuts, lacerations, or abrasions on the baby’s face or scalp.
Other, more serious injuries, may include:
Nerve Damage
Pressure from the forceps can damage facial nerves, leading to conditions like facial palsy.
- Symptoms: Weakness or lack of movement on one side of the face, drooping of the mouth or eyelid.
- Prognosis: Most cases of nerve damage resolve on their own within a few weeks to months, but severe cases may require medical intervention.
Skull Fractures
In rare cases, the forceps can cause fractures in the baby’s skull.
- Symptoms: Swelling, tenderness, or an unusual shape of the skull; in severe cases, there may be symptoms of brain injury.
- Prognosis: Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture; some may heal on their own, while others require surgical intervention.
Intracranial Hemorrhage
Bleeding within the brain can occur due to the pressure and trauma from the forceps.
- Symptoms: Signs include seizures, lethargy, poor feeding, and abnormal neurological responses.
- Prognosis: Intracranial hemorrhage is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. The long-term outlook depends on the extent of the bleeding and the promptness of treatment.
Maternal Injuries
The birthing parent can also receive injuries from a forceps assisted delivery.
Vaginal Tears
Forceps delivery can cause tears in the vaginal tissue.
- Symptoms: Pain, bleeding, and swelling in the vaginal area.
- Prognosis: Minor tears often heal with proper care and rest, but severe tears may require surgical repair and longer recovery periods.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
The use of forceps can sometimes weaken the pelvic floor muscles, leading to the prolapse of pelvic organs.
- Symptoms: Sensation of pressure, discomfort, or a bulge in the vaginal area; urinary incontinence.
- Prognosis: Treatment ranges from pelvic floor exercises and physical therapy to surgical correction, depending on severity.
Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Chicago Today
If you or your baby have been impacted by forceps-related birth injuries, Clifford Law is here to help. Our experienced team of Chicago birth injury attorneys understand the complexities and emotional toll of birth injuries and is dedicated to providing the support and legal expertise you need.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your options and how we can assist you in seeking the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us at (312) 899-9090 or fill out our online form to get started. We’re here to help you through every step of the way.
