As most Oregon mothers who have given birth more than once can attest, no two pregnancies are exactly alike, and neither are any two birthing experiences. Something of no concern during one labor and delivery might be a central focus of another, for instance, maternal high blood pressure or fetal distress. Certain medical tools that obstetricians sometimes use to assist a birth may increase the risk of birth injuries.
Use of vacuum extraction or forceps in childbirth is often associated with birth injuries. Sadly, many infants have suffered brain and eye injuries, as well as facial palsy and other adverse effects from use of forceps during delivery. Vacuum extraction is known to be associated with caput succedaneum, which is swelling in a baby’s scalp.
Mothers rely on their medical teams to provide quality care
The average obstetrician and labor and delivery medical team must be able to recognize signs of distress and act swiftly to help keep a mother and infant(s) safe during childbirth. Regarding use of medical tools, infants are not the only ones at risk for injury. Many maternal injuries have occurred through use of forceps, such as significant loss of blood, as well as severe bladder damage.
Complications that should have been avoided
Sadly, mothers and babies may suffer severe, even life-threatening birth injuries, because of medical negligence. Many complications that arise during treatment or surgery are preventable and caused by substandard care. State law allows a parent to seek restitution for damages when a doctor, nurse or other medical team member has acted with negligence, resulting in injury to an infant or woman giving birth.