The time during a birth may feel rushed and confusing. As you push, you may not notice the intense pain you and your baby are feeling until after the delivery.
Forceps are one tool that can leave lasting pain for you both if not used correctly. Learning more about what birth injuries can happen is important if you think you sustained injuries.
Eye trauma
According to the Mayo Clinic, when forceps clamp down on a baby’s head, sometimes the baby can suffer from eye trauma or internal bleeding. The sensitive skin and muscles around a newborn’s eyes are delicate enough that any excessive force from a medical professional can harm them.
If someone is rushing to deliver a baby or is not paying attention to the amount of pressure applied, a medical professional may misuse this tool. Struggling to guide a baby’s head through the birth canal can also cause similar injuries.
Head pain
Being cautious when delivering a baby includes staying aware of the amount of force used when holding the baby’s skull and head. Skull fractures and other broken bones can happen when a professional uses too much force with forceps and harms your child.
Facial palsy
When weakened muscles lead to a change in a baby’s facial expressions, forceps can play a part in this injury. Although minor signs of bruising may be a common occurrence after a delivery, facial palsy can last longer than small injuries.
A medical professional who pulls too roughly while using forceps or attempts to clamp down too early can leave your baby with facial weaknesses. Learning about how forceps and negligence influence birth injuries can help you make the best decision for you and your infant.
