Improper Use of Forceps And Birth Injuries

Improper Use of Forceps And Birth Injuries The birth of a child should be one of the happiest and most exciting times in a new parent’s life. However, this excitement can be overshadowed by birth injuries caused by the negligence of medical professionals. Unfortunately, birth injuries are all too common. According to birth injury statistics, an average of 28 thousand infants are born with a birth injury each year. Among the most common injuries are head and brain traumas. These occur when the infant’s skull is subjected to too much -- or improperly placed -- pressure. That pressure is often the result of the improper use of forceps.

Head and brain trauma in newborn infants

One of the leading causes of head and brain trauma in newborns is the improper use of forceps by medical professionals. Forceps are a birth-assisting tool typically used by physicians when a mother cannot push a baby out on her own during delivery. However, the tools are seen by many obstetricians as so risky that many no longer use them. Many potential complications could arise with the use of forceps.

For the mother, these complications include:

• Lacerations and tears in the lower genital tract
• Fecal and urinary incontinence
• Anemia
• Injuries to the bladder
• Injuries to the urethra
• Perineum pain

The complications of improper use of forceps during birth include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Permanent brain damage
• Skull fractures
• Hemorrhaging in the skull and brain
• Bruising and swelling in the skull and brain
• Seizures
• Facial injuries or facial palsy

Sadly, there are many reported cases of infant fatalities due to the improper use of forceps. According to a conclusive study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, researchers found that forceps are “associated with increased rates of severe perinatal morbidity and mortality.”

Contact a New York Forcep Birth Injury Lawyer

If a doctor or attending nurse was negligent or careless in using forceps during delivery, the mother and infant are at risk of serious injury. If forceps harmed someone close to you during delivery, contact the New York birth injury lawyers of Hach & Rose, LLP immediately. We will be ready to discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation when you call 212-779-0057.