Pennsylvania Brain Injury Lawyers

Vacuum extractors and forceps used during birth are safe when used properly. In the occurrence that a physician is negligent while using either one of these tools during a difficult birth, brain injuries can occur.

A recent medical study found that:

• 1 in 1,900 infants that are delivered vaginally sustains a brain injury.
• 1 in 2,750 infants that are delivered via cesarean section sustains a brain injury.
• This risk is doubled or even tripled for babies who experience a difficult delivery requiring the use of delivery tools (extractors and forceps).
• 1 in 664 infants delivered using medical forceps sustains a brain injury.
• 1 in 860 infants delivered using vacuum extractors sustains a brain injury.

Forceps are used during birth to turn or twist the baby into the proper position for birth. Brain injuries can occur when the forceps are used on the wrong side of the infant’s head or at the wrong stage of birth. Incorrect usage of the forceps can cause:

• Severe cranial damage
• Bruising
• Indentations
• Blood loss
• Cephalohematoma ­ bleeding between the bone and its covering

Vacuum extractors are used to suction the baby out of the birth canal during a contraction. Vacuum extractors attach a soft plastic cup to the baby’s head to remove them from the birth canal. The incorrect use of a vacuum extractor can cause:

• Lacerations
• Blood clots
• Surface bruising
• Bruising under the scalp or skull
• Caput Succedaneum ­ severe swelling of the scalp

All of the brain injuries caused by forceps or vacuum extractors can cause severe brain injuries, developmental problems, seizures and in rare cases, even death.

If you suspect your child suffered a brain injury due to the negligence of your physician, please call Anapol Schwartz today for your free consultation.

International Chiropractic Pediatric Association ­ Research Foundation