Fertility Law Group – Helping Families Understand Birth Injuries Caused by Assisted Deliveries
When labor becomes difficult, doctors sometimes use forceps or vacuum extractors to help guide the baby through the birth canal. These tools can be effective when used correctly, but if applied with too much force or in the wrong way, they can cause serious injuries to both the baby and the mother.
At Fertility Law Group, we work with families whose children have suffered birth injuries due to the improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors. We understand how devastating it is to learn that an injury could have been prevented with proper medical care. Our team is here to help families understand their legal rights and ensure their child gets the support and treatment they need.
How Do Forceps and Vacuum Extractors Work?
Forceps and vacuum extractors are medical tools designed to assist delivery when labor is not progressing.
Forceps are metal instruments that look like large tongs. They are placed around the baby’s head and used to gently guide the baby through the birth canal during contractions.
Vacuum extractors use a soft or rigid cup attached to the baby’s head with suction. The doctor applies controlled pulling force while the mother pushes.
Both methods carry significant risks if not used properly.
When Are These Tools Used in Labor and Delivery?
Doctors may consider using forceps or a vacuum extractor if:
- The baby is in distress, and delivery needs to happen quickly
- Labor has stalled, and the baby is not descending
- The mother is exhausted and unable to push effectively
- The baby’s position needs to be adjusted slightly for delivery
While these tools can be helpful in certain situations, they should only be used when necessary and by doctors trained in their proper application.
Common Injuries Caused by Improper Use of Forceps and Vacuum Extractors
Forceps and vacuum extractors should never be used with excessive force or when a baby is not in the right position for an assisted delivery. When misused, they can cause serious, sometimes permanent, injuries.
Forceps-Related Injuries
- Skull fractures, which can lead to brain bleeds or permanent damage
- Facial nerve damage, which may cause partial paralysis (Bell’s palsy)
- Eye injuries, including retinal damage or blindness
- Brachial plexus injuries, leading to Erb’s palsy or Klumpke’s palsy
- Severe bruising or cuts on the baby’s scalp and face
Vacuum Extraction-Related Injuries
- Intracranial hemorrhage (brain bleed), increasing the risk of cerebral palsy
- Subgaleal hemorrhage, a life-threatening condition caused by excessive bleeding under the scalp
- Skull fractures and brain swelling
- Cephalohematoma, a painful swelling of blood between the baby’s skull and scalp
- Shoulder dystocia, when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck after vacuum extraction is applied
If a baby suffers any of these injuries, parents may notice seizures, difficulty feeding, unusual head shape, or weakness in the limbs or face in the days or weeks following birth, immediate medical evaluation is crucial.
When the Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extractors Becomes Medical Negligence
Doctors are responsible for knowing when and how to use forceps or vacuum extractors safely. Many injuries occur because these tools were used when they shouldn’t have been or with excessive force.
Common medical mistakes include:
- Using forceps or vacuum extractors when a C-section would have been safer
- Applying too much pressure, leading to skull fractures or brain bleeds
- Failing to properly position the baby before using the tool
- Using vacuum extraction for too long or with excessive suction
- Attempting multiple vacuum extractions despite signs of distress
Doctors must be trained to recognize when an assisted delivery is too risky and when a C-section is the safer option. If a doctor proceeds with forceps or vacuum extraction despite warning signs, the baby can suffer permanent injuries that could have been avoided.
Long-Term Consequences of Forceps and Vacuum Extraction Injuries
For many children, birth trauma caused by these tools does not just heal over time. Some injuries lead to permanent conditions that require ongoing medical care.
Common long-term complications include:
- Cerebral palsy, affecting movement, coordination, and muscle control
- Seizure disorders, requiring long-term neurological care
- Cognitive or developmental delays, affecting learning and memory
- Facial paralysis, which may require surgery or therapy
- Vision and hearing impairments, if nerve damage occurs during delivery
The financial and emotional burden on families can be overwhelming, particularly when ongoing therapy, medical equipment, and special education services are needed.
Why Families Seek Legal Action for Birth Injuries Caused by Assisted Deliveries
If a baby suffered an injury due to improper use of forceps or a vacuum extractor, parents have the right to seek justice. Filing a legal claim can help secure the financial resources needed for medical care, therapy, assistive devices, and long-term support. It also holds medical providers accountable for failing to follow safe delivery practices.
At Fertility Law Group, we work with medical experts to review birth records, determine whether forceps or vacuum extraction were misused, and advocate for families whose children have suffered preventable birth injuries. If your child was injured during an assisted delivery and you have questions about your rights and options, please contact us for a free, confidential consultation.
