How can the misuse of forceps lead to serious birth injuries?

Childbirth is often a journey filled with hope and anticipation. However, this remarkable event can take a bad turn when a mother needs medical intervention.

Every year in America, over 60,000 mothers suffer from complications during birth or delivery, according to Stat News. While forceps sometimes serve an important role in assisting with childbirth, their misuse or improper handling can result in significant birth injuries.

Facial nerve damage

When complications during labor arise, including prolonged labor, fetal distress or the urgency of a swift delivery due to medical concerns, medical professionals may use forceps. However, incorrect application of this tool can lead to facial nerve injuries in newborns. This can result in facial paralysis or muscle weakness, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Skull fractures

Excessive force during forceps-assisted delivery can result in skull fractures in the infant. These fractures may lead to long-term neurological issues and developmental delays.

Brain damage

Misuse of forceps can cause severe birth injuries, such as brain hemorrhages or oxygen deprivation. These injuries can have enduring consequences, including cognitive and motor impairments that affect a child’s entire life.

Intracranial hemorrhage

The improper application of forceps may lead to bleeding within the baby’s brain, a condition known as intracranial hemorrhage. This can result in seizures, intellectual disabilities and other lasting neurological challenges.

While forceps are a valuable tool in childbirth, medical professionals should not underestimate how dangerous they can be when doctors rush through a procedure. Dealing with injuries after birth may leave mothers and children feeling tired and overwhelmed.