Medical tools save lives when doctors use them correctly. However, improper use of forceps during delivery can seriously harm your newborn. Thus, understanding how these mistakes happen can help you recognize potential injuries early. In fact, one of the most common errors involves applying excessive force during delivery.
1. Excessive use of force or pressure
When doctors apply excessive pressure with forceps, they can damage your baby’s delicate skull. This force can cause fractures and bleeding inside the brain. These injuries often lead to permanent brain damage, seizures or cerebral palsy. Your baby may also experience developmental delays.
Beyond skull injuries, forceps pressure can also affect your baby’s nerves. It can stretch or tear nerves in your baby’s shoulder and arm area. This damage, called brachial plexus injury, can result in weakness or paralysis. Additionally, you might also notice that your baby cannot move one arm properly. This condition is known as Erb’s palsy. While excessive force creates serious risks, the placement of forceps matters just as much.
2. Incorrect placement of forceps
Beyond using too much force, incorrect positioning creates its own dangers. Misplaced forceps can cut or bruise your baby’s face. These injuries may damage facial nerves, causing temporary or permanent facial paralysis.
Yet the risks extend beyond facial injuries alone. Your baby’s eyes are particularly vulnerable to this misplacement. Forceps positioned near the eyes can cause serious trauma and vision problems. Additionally, incorrect placement increases the risk of other facial injuries that may require treatment. However, improper forceps use does not stop at positioning errors.
3. Forceful forceps rotations
Doctors sometimes need to rotate babies during child birth. However, forceful rotations with forceps can damage your baby’s spinal cord. This injury can have lifelong consequences for your child’s mobility and development.
The complications from aggressive rotation extend to the brain as well. Aggressive rotations also cause brain bleeds and swelling within the skull. These conditions require immediate medical attention and can lead to serious complications. Thus, knowing these risks makes early detection crucial for your baby’s health.
Check your baby for any injuries
If you suspect improper forceps use during your delivery, schedule a thorough checkup for your baby. Early detection of birth injuries protects your child from long-term effects. A medical professional can identify problems you might not notice immediately.
You deserve answers if medical negligence harmed your baby. A birth injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and protect your family’s future.