Forceps Delivery May Cause Cerebral Palsy December 2, 2010.

Medical malpractice comes in many forms. Forceps delivery may be one of those forms.

Delivering a baby is a major deal, to the parents, the baby about to arrive and the staff on hand for the birth. The unfortunate thing is that giving birth may also be ripe for complications; complications that may backfire and hurt the baby. Forceps delivery – often used when the baby is large, labor is prolonged or when the baby is in a breech position – is tricky and may end up causing a lot of harm to a newborn.

While forceps delivery is an accepted and recognized method of assisting delivery, if it’s not done properly, birth injuries such as brain or nerve damage may be the end result. Typically, this instrument isn’t used until there are indications the baby is in distress. For example, when its position in the birth canal is not right or when the mother is having difficulty pushing. If the forceps are used, they are designed in such a way as to clamp on the sides of the baby’s head, thus giving the delivery team a good grip.

However, having said that, the grip may be too tight, not in the right position and may cause damage. If you suspect your baby was injured as a result of a forceps delivery gone bad, take your case details to a Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer and find out what your rights are and what you can do to recover compensation.

Quick delivery, precise positioning, care taken to protect the skull and a gentle but persistent grip executed with supreme care often saves a baby’s life and keeps it from suffering severe oxygen deprivation. It’s almost perverse to point out that the same techniques and procedures may also permanently hurt the baby; temporarily or permanently. Incorrect use of the forceps may result in cerebral palsy, a fractured skull and possible nerve damage.

When dealing with facial nerve damage, what tends to happen is that permanent facial asymmetry is the result of misusing the forceps. Damage like that is noticeable when the child cries or laughs. Cerebral palsy is the result of a damaged cerebrum, which controls motor functions. There is no known cure.