Forceps and other assistive birthing instruments can perform life-saving measures by helping a doctor quickly deliver a baby who is in distress. They can also help in situations where a mother has been in the late stages of labor for an extended period and simply cannot progress any further due to fatigue. However, if they are improperly used or used too forcefully, forceps can cause serious injuries to both the baby and to the mother.

Can Forceps Harm Me or My Baby? Yes 

Forceps look like long curved spoons, or tongs, that are gently placed around the baby’s head so that as the mother continues to push, a doctor can gently pull the baby downward. While in many cases this procedure can go smoothly, in some cases it does not and lasting injury can occur.  

The following injuries can result from forcep-assisted deliveries:

• Intracranial bleeding

• Intraventricular bleeding

• Increased risk of stroke

• Skull fracture

• Lacerations

• Brachial plexus injury

• Trauma to the mother’s vagina, bladder, or rectum

An obstetrician should closely follow all standards of care when using forceps to aid in the delivery of a baby. Deviations from this standard of care may cause serious harm and our Pittsburgh birth injury attorneys are here to make sure that negligence is identified and exposed. We know how to hold negligent medical professionals accountable and will pursue financial compensation for your child’s complete, lifelong care.

If you feel that you or your child were put at risk due the use of forceps or other assistive birthing instruments, call Pribanic & Pribanic today at 800-392-4529 to learn more. We are dedicated to helping families and children injured due to medical negligence and we will help you recover the damages you deserve.

“If your baby has been injured by Forceps call one of our injury lawyers for help: 800-392-4529“