When natural birth results in complications or stalls out, health care professionals may intervene. There are numerous ways for obstetric professionals to assist mothers during labor. They can use drugs to strengthen contractions or speed up cervical dilation. They can arrange for a C-section delivery if birth complications are serious.
They can also physically assist with the delivery process. In some cases, doctors attending a woman during labor and delivery may choose to use forceps to help the baby exit the birth canal. Unfortunately, errors when using forceps during labor and delivery can result in traumatic injuries to a newborn child.
What injuries can forceps cause?
Forceps are tools that help pull the unborn child from the birth canal. One of the most common medical consequences relates to the pulling that occurs. Babies may develop shoulder and neck injuries from the pressure applied during a forceps delivery.
Other times, the forceps can cause physical wounds to the child’s face. In extreme cases, the forceps can damage the eyes, cause skull fractures or lead to bleeding inside the skull, which can cause permanent brain injuries. Forceps are often not truly necessary for a safe delivery, and physicians who rely on them should ensure that they are competent in their use to minimize the risk of injury to the child and mother.
When families face increased medical expenses, lost wages and other financial challenges because of a birth injury caused by forceps, they may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. Reviewing medical records with a legal professional could help concerned parents hold medical professionals accountable for making unsafe choices or improperly administering interventions during labor and delivery.