Use of Forceps
Birth assisting tools such as forceps may be used by a medical professional whilst delivering a baby. Although they are efficient more often than not, on occasion medical negligence may occur if the forceps are used improperly by a medical practitioner.This can cause personal injury to the mother or the baby. If you believe that you have sustained personal injury through the improper use of forceps by a medical professional, it is imperative you speak with a solicitor as soon as possible.
When do Forceps Injuries Arise?
Some cases of medical negligence that can lead to forceps injury claims are:
- Improper manipulations of the baby’s body during delivery
- Failure to deal with an emergency situation adequately
- Blunt force trauma to the baby or the mother, due to the forceps
- Delayed birth – when the baby remains in the birth canal for too long as forceps fail to do the correct job. This can lead to birth injury as there is a prolonged pressure from the birth canal on the baby’s body.
- Vaginal tear injuries
What are the Causes of Forceps Injuries*?
Any of the causes of birth injuries can lead to injuries of varying degrees. Some physical injuries to the baby or mother are noticed immediately and treated immediately. In some cases, the injury may not be noticed immediately following the birth of the child.
- Inability of the mother to deliver the baby without assistance
- Risk of illness or infection is present in the birth process
- A prolonged second stage of delivery and maternal exhaustion
- Pregnancy malpractice/Maternal birth injuries – mismanagement of the pregnancy occurs
Although they are aware that forceps on occasion can lead to a birth injury being sustained, they will do all they can to eliminate the risk of injury occurring to both mother and child.