When the time comes to have your child, you may feel so many emotions that you do not know which one to focus on. You will likely feel excited that your baby will soon arrive, or nervous about the possible pain you will experience. You may also have concerns about how well the delivery will go and whether you or your baby are at risk of suffering injuries.
Even though numerous babies are brought into the world without issue, there are some instances in which a newborn could suffer harm. The reasons for the injuries could range from improper monitoring or not taking the proper actions soon enough. Additionally, babies could even experience trauma due to tools that should make the delivery easier.
Forceps and vacuums
As you go through the process of childbirth, there may come a time when the delivery stalls. This means that though you may still be trying to deliver the child naturally through pushing and other efforts, you are experiencing little to no progress. In such cases, doctors may suggest the use of forceps, a vacuum or even to perform a C-section.
With a forceps delivery, the doctor would use a metal tool that resembles long spoons or tongs to guide the baby through the birth canal as you continue to push. The doctor places the forceps on the baby’s head during this process.
When it comes to using a vacuum, a different device other than forceps is used but with the same intention of more easily guiding the baby through the birth canal. The doctor places a suction cup on the baby’s head and a vacuum-like force is used to help pull the baby along.
Issues with these tools
Though both forceps and vacuums are intended to help with the delivery, they are not always successful and could even potentially cause injury to your child. Forceps could potentially cause nerve damage to your child’s face as well as pose a risk of causing retinal hemorrhage and cephalhematoma, which occurs when blood collects between the bones and tissue of the baby’s head. Similarly, vacuum suction could also cause retinal hemorrhage and cephalhematoma.
Though these issue may resolve themselves in a few days after delivery, some injuries could have lasting or permanent impacts on your child. If so, you may have reason to take legal action in order to pursue compensation for your baby’s injuries.
