Is Forceps Delivery Safe?
What is Forceps Delivery?
Forceps may be used in a vaginal delivery to help guide a baby out of the birth canal. There are many reasons why forceps are necessary to assist with childbirth, such as fetal distress, prolonged labor, or the baby is in an unfavorable position and stuck in the birth canal.
Forceps look like two large spoons and are applied to the baby’s head as a mother pushes with contractions to ease the baby out of the birth canal. When appropriately used, forceps delivery is safe; however, there are some complications you should be aware of.
Risks Associated With Forceps Delivery
When forceps are used, there can be injury risks for both the mother and baby:
Injury Risks to the Mother
While the following could happen during a traditional vaginal delivery, the use of forceps can increase the risk of:
- Pain in the perineum
- Tract tears to the lower genitals
- Trouble urinating or emptying the bladder
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Bladder or urethra injuries
- Uterine rupture
- Pelvic organ prolapse
Injury Risks to the Baby
When too much pressure or force is used when applying forceps, the following birth injuries can occur:
- Facial injuries
- Facial palsy (a temporary weakness in the facial muscles)
- Eye trauma
- Skull fractures
- Bleeding within the skull
- Seizures
Did Your Child Suffer a Birth Injury? We Are Here for You.
If your child suffered a birth injury due to improper use of forceps, our Philadelphia birth injury attorneys at The Villari Firm, PLLC are here to help you seek justice. Our skilled attorneys work with leading experts, including doctors and other legal professionals, to investigate and prepare our clients’ cases. No expense is spared when it comes to being armed with everything needed to help our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact The Villari Firm, PLLC at 215-372-8889 to schedule a free consultation today.
