Happily, most births go well for mother and child. But this isn’t true in all cases. Sometimes, when a birth is not progressing, the doctor will consider using forceps or vacuum extractors to move the birth along. Births using these devices are called “assisted births.” A doctor may consider the use of these devices when: 

• A baby’s heart rate indicates fetal distress. 
• The mother is unable to push for too long due to a medical condition such as high blood pressure.
• The baby is not descending despite the mother pushing. 
• The mother is too tired to continue pushing.
• The baby is in an awkward position.

In these cases, forceps or vacuum extraction may be necessary, or at least considered by the medical team. However, things can go wrong during an assisted birth.

What Are Obstetrical Forceps and What Are the Risks?

Obstetrical forceps are smooth metal instruments that look like tongs. They’re curved at the bottom to fit around the baby’s head. When a contraction occurs and the mother is pushing, an obstetrician gently pulls to help deliver the baby. Forceps should only be only used when vaginal delivery is in its final stages but not progressing, and when the mother or baby’s health is at risk from prolonged labor. 

Possible risks to a baby from forceps delivery complications include skull and bone fractures, bruises and lacerations to the head, and brain damage. A mother’s injuries or complications from a forceps delivery may include vaginal tears, injury to the bladder or urethra, blood clots in the legs, and pelvic organ prolapse. 

Forceps delivery is less common today because it requires more skill, and many healthcare providers have not been trained to use them. Other factors that have contributed to the decline in forceps use include increased use of C-sections and vacuum deliveries. These procedures became more common in the mid-1900s, leading to a decrease in forceps use.

What Is a Vacuum Extraction Device and What Are the Risks?

Vacuum extraction is a procedure used by a medical health professional to assist a prolonged delivery or complicated delivery. It can be used in the same situations as obstetrical forceps. 

The vacuum extraction device is a vacuum pump that is firmly attached by a soft cup to a baby’s head. Pumping the device creates suction. Typically, the doctor and mother work in unison during this process – the doctor pulls while the mother pushes, so they work together with her contractions to help guide the baby through the birth canal.

Under generally accepted protocols, the procedure is only recommended during the second stage of labor when the cervix is fully dilated, and the baby has descended headfirst into the birth canal.

If a vacuum extraction delivery is not performed properly, the baby can suffer from a wide range of health problems, including cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy. Subgaleal hematoma is considered the most serious complication of vacuum-assisted delivery. It occurs when the suction cup pulls the scalp and tissue away from the skull, rupturing veins and causing blood to accumulate in the space between the skull and scalp. This can lead to hemorrhagic shock and death if not treated quickly. Maternal injuries from vacuum extraction can include vaginal tears, postpartum bleeding and incontinence, and stretching of the vaginal area.

Contact an Orlando Birth Injury Lawyer to Learn About Your Legal Options

If you believe that your child has suffered a birth injury due to obstetric negligence where the delivery involved an assisted birth, either with the use of forceps or a vacuum extraction, it’s important to contact an Orlando birth injury lawyer as soon as possible. 

In Florida, there are time limitations on when you must file a lawsuit, and litigation, arbitration and mediation require a great deal of preparation. Witnesses must be interviewed, discovery documents must be drafted and completed, and research into your case must be conducted.

Here at Haliczer, Pettis & Schwamm, we have many years of experience handling birth injury cases. We are knowledgeable about the law, excellent negotiators and litigators, and empathetic counselors to our clients. Contact us today to learn about your legal options.