How Forceps are Used
A pair of forceps features two prongs that may look like salad tongs. The doctor will open the forceps and place it around the infant’s head in the birth canal. The forceps allow the doctor to guide the baby out as the mother pushes with contractions.
The doctor will turn to the forceps for assistance if the mother is unable to push the baby out on her own once the infant is in the birth canal. They may decide to assist if the fetal heartbeat drops or if there are other signs of distress in either the mother or the baby.
The Dangers of Using Forceps
Both the mother and baby are at risk with the use of forceps. The mother may experience injury that is not seen until later, such as bladder injuries, anemia and tears in the lower genital area. The baby may also suffer injuries if the forceps were used incorrectly. These injuries may include the following:
- Bruising on the head
- Swelling of the head
- Fractures to the skull
- Facial injuries and palsy
- Seizures
- Brain damage
You may notice lacerations to the head of the infant or bruising, which would be a sign of forceps injury. There may be a fracture or nerve damage as well as hemorrhages and even a head that is misshapen.
Results of Forceps Damage
If you are concerned about injury due to the use of forceps, it’s important to get the baby checked and diagnosed. It can lead to many health problems, including stroke and cerebral palsy. The infant may suffer traumatic brain injury, nerve damage or permanent brain damage. They may also experience paralysis as a result of the damage done by forceps during delivery.
While bruising and lacerations will be quite obvious in the newborn, other signs of damage from forceps use may not be as apparent. It may only be when the child should be meeting developmental milestones that you will notice issues. For instance, if the baby isn’t able to move their arms or legs as they normally would or if they are slow in meeting gross motor skills, fine motor skills or speech skills. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the better. If you notice any unusual behavior or if you’re concerned about your baby’s health after a delivery using forceps, you can request an evaluation to determine if there is an injury.
Parents often don’t realize they aren’t required to accept the use of forceps if they don’t feel comfortable with the procedure. They should be made aware of their options, which could also include a c-section or other procedures. The mother is allowed to make an informed decision to prevent injury to herself and her baby in a complicated delivery.
