Birth Injuries from Excessive Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extraction

If Your Baby Has Injuries Due to Excessive Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extraction, it Could be From Medical Malpractice

Various factors can lead to birth complications, including shoulder dystocia or birth asphyxia. Medical negligence during labor and delivery is often the cause. These injuries can result in temporary or long-term issues, and sadly, even death. Difficult deliveries may require the use of vacuum extraction, forceps, or both, potentially leading to birth injuries. Instances where the baby’s head or body gets trapped between the mother’s pelvic bones can be problematic. Misapplication or excessive suction from a vacuum can also contribute to birth injuries.

Birth injuries are the leading cause of brain damage in newborns, which is why it’s essential to understand birth injury claims and treatment. If your loved one suffered any birth injury, they may be the victim of Medical Malpractice. Learn how a birth injury lawyer can help by locating one here at Medical Malpractice Universe.

Birth injuries from excessive forceps or vacuum extraction are two types of birth injuries that may be due to malpractice.

Excessive Use of Forceps Explained

Forceps are tong-like medical instruments used during labor and delivery when a baby may need help being born. These instruments can cause serious birth injuries if they are not used properly. Birth injuries from excessive use of forceps are known as “Erb’s palsy.”

Forceps are designed to be used during three phases of labor:

• First stage – before the baby is born

• Second stage – when the baby is halfway out of the birth canal

• Third stage – after delivery

The use of forceps must be monitored and carefully executed by a qualified medical professional, as excessive use can lead to serious injury.

Birth injuries from the excessive use of forceps include:

• Damage to the brachial plexus nerves

• Birth injuries such as Erb’s palsy

The Brachial Plexus Nerves

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that branch off the spine and control the movement and feeling in an infant’s shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers. Birth Injuries from Excessive Use of Forceps can cause damage to these nerve branches leading to Erb’s Palsy, which causes weakness or paralysis in the arm. Birth injuries from excessive forceps may be visible on the outside of the baby’s shoulder but are also known to occur inside of the baby’s shoulder where they cannot be visible.

Excessive Use of Vacuum Extraction Explained

Vacuums are tools used to help with a baby’s delivery in a few cases where labor is progressing too slowly or other issues that need assistance. Vacuum extraction is typically performed when the mother has been given an epidural and cannot feel her lower half. Several factors could cause birth injuries from the excessive use of vacuum extraction, including:

• The doctor or midwife pulling too hard on the cord

• The doctor or midwife pushing on the baby’s head to extract it from the birth canal

Did Your Loved One Suffer a Birth Injury Due to Excessive Force of Forceps or Vacuum Extraction? We Can Help

Birth injuries are devastating, and knowing your legal rights is crucial. They can result in death or disabilities like cerebral palsy, mental disabilities, and blindness. Birth injuries may be caused by medical malpractice, negligence, or vacuum extractor design defects. You can file personal injury claims against medical staff or device manufacturers. If your loved one suffered due to excessive force during extraction, contact our experienced birth injury lawyers at Medical Malpractice Universe.