Questions?What Are Possible Complications From Forceps Delivery?
Forceps delivery complications can happen when too much force is used or the tools are applied at the wrong time during labor.
Some forceps delivery complications are mild, like facial bruising or swelling, while others can result in severe birth injuries.
If used improperly, forceps may lead to serious injuries such as permanent brain damage, bleeding in the brain, or nerve damage.
Some complications from forceps delivery show up right away, but others may not appear until your child misses developmental milestones or starts falling behind other kids their age.
If your delivery team used forceps and you suspect something went wrong, you may be able to file a forceps delivery complications lawsuit to pursue financial support.
Compensation from a lawsuit could help you afford the long-term care, therapies, and resources your child needs for the best possible future.
We work with a network of experienced birth injury attorneys who have helped families recover over $1 billion, including for cases involving forceps delivery complications.
Our trusted legal partners can help families in all 50 states. Find out if they can help you, too — get a free case review right now.
What Is a Forceps Delivery?
A forceps delivery is a type of assisted vaginal birth. Forceps are stainless steel obstetric instruments shaped like large tongs or curved spoons, used to help guide a baby out of the birth canal during a prolonged or difficult labor.
Forceps deliveries account for about 1.1% of vaginal births in the U.S., according to the most recent data from the National Library of Medicine.
Doctors may use forceps if a baby is stuck in the birth canal or showing signs of fetal distress. The forceps are gently applied to the baby’s head to help guide them out while the mother pushes during a contraction.
- Simpson forceps: Used when the baby’s head is lengthened and molded to the birth canal
- Tucker McLane forceps: Smooth blades designed for rounder heads
- Elliot forceps: Used when the baby’s head is round and less molded
- Kielland forceps: Designed to rotate the baby’s head during more complicated deliveries
- Piper forceps: Specially shaped for helping deliver the baby’s head in breech (feet- or buttocks-first) births
While many assisted deliveries are successful, forceps delivery complications can cause harm to both mothers and babies in some cases. When a forceps injury to a baby is preventable, it may be considered medical negligence.
When Are Forceps Used?
A forceps delivery may be used during the second stage of labor, when the cervix is fully dilated and the baby has started to move through the birth canal, but delivery is not progressing.
- Outlet forceps: Baby’s head is visible and very low, just about to be delivered
- Low forceps: Head is low in the birth canal but not quite at the opening
- Mid forceps: When the baby’s head is engaged but still higher up in the pelvis
- High forceps: No longer used — a cesarean section (C-section) should be performed if the baby has not moved down at all
Doctors may use forceps if the baby is in distress, the mother is too exhausted, has a medical condition, or labor isn’t progressing despite strong contractions.
When Should Forceps Not Be Used?
Forceps should not be used if the baby hasn’t descended far enough, the baby has a bleeding or bone disorder, or the position of the head is unknown.
Episiotomies (surgical cuts to widen the vaginal opening) are commonly used during vaginal births. Some doctors try this method first before deciding to use forceps.
If the tool is used incorrectly, it may cause serious forceps delivery complications for both the mother and baby.
“You’re not supposed to use a vacuum and then forceps. You have to pick one and stick with it. If it doesn’t work, it’s not safe to keep going — it’s time to call it and move to a C-section.”
— Beth Carter, Registered Nurse, Legal Nurse Consultant Certified
Doctors should not use forceps when shoulder dystocia (baby is lodged behind the mother’s pelvis) is suspected. In rare cases, using forceps too early can cause the baby’s head to deliver while the shoulders stay stuck, leading to serious injury.
Even when doctors believe they’re making the right call, poor decisions during delivery can cause lasting harm. Forceps delivery complications can lead to severe birth injuries that affect a child’s health and development for life.
Birth Injuries From Forceps Delivery Complications
Problems after forceps delivery — especially when safety protocols are ignored — can increase the risk of serious harm to both mother and baby.
- Brachial plexus injuries: Nerve damage in the shoulder that can cause weakness or paralysis in the arm
- Cerebral palsy (CP): Brain damage that affects muscle control, movement, and coordination
- Facial nerve injuries (facial palsy): Pressure on facial nerves resulting in drooping or weakness in the baby’s face
- Intracranial hemorrhage (brain bleeding): Bleeding inside the skull that can cause brain damage or even death
- Seizures: Uncontrolled muscle movements from brain injuries during delivery
- Skull fractures: Breaks in the baby’s skull caused by too much pressure from the forceps
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the central nervous system that can lead to lasting disability or paralysis
Forceps birth trauma often requires lifelong medical care, and some families may be eligible for financial compensation to help cover these costs.
Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat to see if you may qualify to seek money for your child’s lifelong care.
Forceps Delivery and Medical Negligence Claims
When a doctor misuses forceps — by applying too much pressure, using them too early or too late in labor, or ignoring safety protocols — the results can be catastrophic.
In these situations, families may be able to file a forceps delivery complications lawsuit. Taking legal action can help hold the medical team accountable and secure the money needed for their child’s care.
Some mistakes are clear-cut, like using forceps after a failed vacuum attempt or continuing to pull when the baby hasn’t descended.
Others involve subtle misjudgments. However, every time forceps are misused, it can lead to serious injuries and may be considered medical malpractice.
Claims for forceps delivery complications can help families access financial support for therapies, mobility aids, special education, home care, and more. A successful case may also push hospitals to improve training and prevent future harm.
Can Forceps Delivery Cause Developmental Delays?
Yes. Forceps delivery complications can lead to developmental delays if the baby suffers a brain injury during birth. When forceps are used improperly, such as with too much force or when the baby’s position isn’t right, they can cause trauma that affects how the brain grows and functions.
Developmental delays may include problems with movement, language, social skills, or learning. For example, some children take longer to sit up, crawl, or walk. Additionally, kids may struggle to form words or interact with others.
These delays can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, they may signal a long-term disability like cerebral palsy.
If you’re concerned that a forceps delivery caused developmental delays or lasting injuries to your baby, our team may be able to help.
Getting the answers you need as early as possible can make a big difference in your child’s care and future.
Take our free Milestone Quiz now.
IS YOUR CHILD MISSING DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES?
Take Our Milestones Quiz
Taking note of your child’s physical, social, and emotional skills can help you determine if they potentially suffered from an injury at birth. An early diagnosis can help your child get the treatment they need as soon as possible.
Q1: How old is your child?
0-2 MONTHS DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES QUIZ
- Q2: Can your child hold their head steadily on their own?
- Q3: Can your child push themselves up when they are lying on their stomach?
- Q4: Has your child started to make smoother movements with their arms and legs?
- Q5: Does your child smile at other people?
- Q6: Can your child bring their hands to their mouth?
- Q7: Does your child turn their head when they hear a noise?
- Q8: Does your child coo or make gurgling noises?
- Q9: Does your child follow things with their eyes?
- Q10: Does your child try to look at their parents or caregivers?
- Q11: Does your child show boredom, cry, or fuss when engaged in an activity that hasn’t changed in a while?
3-4 MONTHS DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES QUIZ
- Q2: Can your child hold their head steadily on their own?
- Q3: Does your child push down on their legs when their feet are on a flat surface?
- Q4: Has your child started to roll over from their stomach to their back?
- Q5: Can your child hold and shake a toy such as a rattle?
- Q6: Does your child bring their hands to their mouth?
- Q7: Does your child play with people and start to cry when the playing stops?
- Q8: Does your child smile spontaneously, especially at people?
- Q9: Does your child copy some movements and facial expressions of other people?
- Q10: Does your child babble with expressions and copy sounds they hear?
- Q11: Does your child cry in different ways to show hunger, pain, or tiredness?
- Q12: Does your child respond to affection like hugging or kissing?
- Q13: Does your child follow moving things with their eyes from side to side?
- Q14: Does your child recognize familiar people at a distance?
5-6 MONTHS DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES QUIZ
- Q2: Can your child roll over on both sides (front to back/back to front)?
- Q3: Has your child begun to sit without support?
- Q4: Does your child rock back and forth?
- Q5: Can your child support their weight on their legs (and perhaps bounce) when standing?
- Q6: Has your child begun to pass things from one hand to the other?
- Q7: Does your child bring objects such as toys to their mouth?
- Q8: Does your child know if someone is not familiar to them and is a stranger?
- Q9: Does your child respond to other people’s emotions, such as a smile or a frown?
- Q10: Does your child enjoy looking at themselves in the mirror?
- Q11: Does your child look at things around them?
- Q12: Does your child respond to sounds they hear by making sounds themselves?
- Q13: Does your child make sounds to show joy or displeasure?
- Q14: Does your child respond to their own name?
- Q15: Has your child started to string vowels together, such as "ah," "eh," or "oh," or started to say consonant sounds such as "m" or "b"?
- Q16: Has your child begun to laugh?
7-9 MONTHS DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES QUIZ
- Q2: Can your child crawl?
- Q3: Can your child stand while holding on to something to support them?
- Q4: Can your child sit without support?
- Q5: Can your child pull themselves up to stand?
- Q6: Does your child play peekaboo?
- Q7: Can your child move things from one hand to the other?
- Q8: Can your child pick small things up, such as a piece of cereal, with their thumb and index finger?
- Q9: Does your child look for things that they see you hide?
- Q10: Does your child watch the path of something as it falls?
- Q11: Does your child show fear when around strangers?
- Q12: Does your child become clingy with adults who are familiar to them?
- Q13: Does your child have favorite toys?
- Q14: Does your child use their fingers to point?
- Q15: Does your child understand “no”?
- Q16: Does your child make a lot of repetitive sounds, such as “mamama” or “bababa”?
- Q17: Does your child copy the sounds and gestures of other people?
10-12 MONTHS DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES QUIZ
- Q2: Can your child stand alone with no support?
- Q3: Does your child walk while holding on to furniture?
- Q4: Can your child take a few steps without holding on to anything?
- Q5: Can your child get into a sitting position without any help?
- Q6: Does your child bang two things together when playing?
- Q7: Does your child poke with their index finger?
- Q8: Has your child started to use things like hairbrushes or drinking cups correctly?
- Q9: Does your child find hidden objects easily?
- Q10: Does your child play peekaboo or pat-a-cake?
- Q11: Does your child become shy or nervous around strangers?
- Q12: Does your child repeat actions or sounds to get attention?
- Q13: Does your child put out an arm or leg to help when getting dressed?
- Q14: Does your child cry when a parent leaves the room?
- Q15: Does your child show that they have favorite things or people?
- Q16: Does your child show fear?
- Q17: Does your child say things such as “mama,” “dada,” or “uh-oh”?
- Q18: Does your child try to say the words you say?
- Q19: Has your child started to use gestures like waving or shaking their head “no”?
13-18 MONTHS DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES QUIZ
- Q2: Can your child walk by themselves?
- Q3: Does your child walk up stairs and run?
- Q4: Does your child pull toys while walking?
- Q5: Can your child drink from a cup on their own?
- Q6: Can your child eat with a spoon on their own?
- Q7: Can your child help undress themselves?
- Q8: Does your child have occasional temper tantrums?
- Q9: Does your child show affection to familiar people?
- Q10: Does your child become clingy in new situations?
- Q11: Does your child explore their environment alone with parents close by?
- Q12: Can your child say several single words?
- Q13: Can your child say and shake their head “no”?
- Q14: Does your child point to show things to other people?
- Q15: Does your child scribble?
- Q16: Does your child know what ordinary products such as phones, spoons, and brushes are used for?
- Q17: Can your child follow one-step commands such as “sit down” or “stand up”?
- Q18: Does your child play with a doll or stuffed animal by pretending to feed it?
19-23 MONTHS DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES QUIZ
- Q2: Has your child begun to run?
- Q3: Has your child kicked a ball?
- Q4: Can your child climb down and onto furniture on their own?
- Q5: Can your child walk up and down stairs while holding on?
- Q6: Can your child stand on their tiptoes?
- Q7: Has your child thrown a ball overhand?
- Q8: Does your child copy others, especially people older than them?
- Q9: Does your child get excited around other children?
- Q10: Has your child shown more independence as they've aged?
- Q11: Does your child do what they were told not to do and become defiant?
- Q12: Does your child point to things when they are named?
- Q13: Does your child know names of familiar people or body parts?
- Q14: Does your child say 2 to 4-word sentences?
- Q15: Does your child repeat words they hear?
- Q16: Does your child complete sentences and rhymes in familiar books?
- Q17: Does your child name items in books, such as dogs, cats, and birds?
- Q18: Does your child play simple pretend games?
- Q19: Has your child started to use one hand more than the other?
- Q20: Has your child begun to sort shapes and colors?
- Q21: Does your child follow 2-step instructions, such as “pick up your hat and put it on your head?”
24+ MONTHS DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES QUIZ
- Q2: Can your child run easily?
- Q3: Can your child climb?
- Q4: Can your child walk up and down stairs with one foot on each step?
- Q5: Can your child dress and undress themselves?
- Q6: Does your child show affection for friends without being told?
- Q7: Does your child take turns when playing games?
- Q8: Does your child show concern when others are crying?
- Q9: Does your child understand the idea of “mine" and "theirs"?
- Q10: Does your child show many different emotions?
- Q11: Does your child copy adults and friends?
- Q12: Does your child separate easily from their parents?
- Q13: Does your child get upset when there is a major change in their routine?
- Q14: Does your child say words such as “I,” “me,” “we,” “you,” and some plural nouns?
- Q15: Can your child say their first name, age, and gender?
- Q16: Can your child carry on a conversation with 2 to 3 sentences?
- Q17: Can your child work toys with buttons and other moving parts?
- Q18: Does your child play pretend with dolls, animals, or people?
- Q19: Can your child finish 3 or 4 piece puzzles?
- Q20: Can your child copy a circle when drawing?
- Q21: Can your child turn pages of a book one page at a time?
- Q22: Can your child turn door handles?
Signs Your Baby Was Injured by Forceps
Some signs of forceps delivery complications are visible right away. However, others may not appear until your child starts missing developmental milestones.
Injuries to the brain or nerves can take time to reveal themselves, making it hard for families to get answers early on. However, you know your child best, and if something feels off, trust your instincts.
Look for these potential signs of a forceps injury:
- Bulging or sunken soft spots (fontanelles) on your baby’s head
- Developmental delays, such as trouble sitting, crawling, or making eye contact
- Low muscle tone, poor feeding, or seizures, which could be symptoms of brain damage
- Swelling of the head or facial bruising that lasts longer than expected
- Weak or limp arm, which could point to a brachial plexus injury like Erb’s palsy
These may be signs of a serious injury caused by forceps delivery complications. If you’re worried, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
We have a team of labor and delivery nurses on staff with decades of combined experience.
Talk to one of our registered nurses today — they can help you understand what may have happened and what to do next.
Beth has more than 18 years of specialized experience in labor and delivery. She’s available to hear your story and help you figure out the cause of your child’s injury — and what you can do next.
Talk to A Nurse Now
Call or chat with a caring, experienced nurse right now — we’re standing by to get you help and answers.
Treatment for Forceps Delivery Injuries
After a forceps delivery, doctors should closely examine your baby for any signs of injury. Minor problems like bruising or small facial lacerations often heal on their own within a few weeks.
Temporary facial weakness may also resolve as nerves recover. However, serious birth injuries from forceps delivery complications may require extensive and costly treatment.
Diagnosing and treating complications from forceps delivery may include:
- Brain imaging scans: To detect skull fractures, bleeding, or brain swelling
- Physical therapy: To help with strength, movement, and coordination
- Occupational therapy: To support motor skills, feeding, or sensory development
- Speech therapy: If facial or brain injuries affect language or communication
- Surgery: In cases of severe nerve damage or skull fractures
- Lifelong care and support: For conditions like CP or developmental delays
When these birth injuries are caused by medical negligence, families may be able to pursue money through a forceps delivery complications settlement.
Compensation from a successful lawsuit can help cover your child’s ongoing care, therapy, and future needs.
Get Legal Help for Forceps Delivery Complications
Even with the best intentions, medical providers can make serious mistakes during delivery. When forceps are used incorrectly, the results can be devastating.
If your family is living with the effects of a forceps injury, you may be able to take legal action. A forceps delivery complications settlement can help cover your child’s care and hold the medical team accountable.
The Birth Injury Justice Center works with experienced forceps delivery complications attorneys who can help families in all 50 states.
Our trusted network of lawyers has secured more than $1 billion for families affected by preventable birth injuries. They may be able to help your family, too.
We’re here to help you understand your options. There’s no cost to speak with us, and no obligation to move forward.
Call (800) 914-1562 right now or get a free case review to take the first step toward justice.
Forceps Delivery Complications FAQs
Is forceps delivery safe for babies?
Forceps deliveries can be safe when performed correctly by a skilled obstetrician. In some cases, using forceps helps avoid a cesarean delivery (C-section) and allows for a faster delivery when the baby is in distress or labor isn’t progressing.
However, there are risks. If forceps are used improperly, they can cause serious injuries to both the baby and the mother.
Safety depends on the circumstances, the training of the medical provider, and how closely guidelines are followed during delivery.
Can a forceps delivery cause problems in babies?
Yes, complications from forceps delivery can cause problems in babies, especially if the tools are used with too much force.
While many forceps deliveries are performed safely, incorrect use may lead to injuries like facial injuries, nerve damage, skull fractures, or brain bleeds.
Can forceps delivery cause brain damage?
Yes, forceps delivery can cause brain damage if the tools are used with too much force or at the wrong time. Improper use may lead to bleeding in the brain, oxygen loss, or permanent injury.
Signs of forceps delivery brain damage may include seizures, low muscle tone, or missed developmental milestones. Some children aren’t diagnosed with brain damage until they grow older, and delays are more noticeable.
However, you don’t have to wait to get answers. A forceps delivery complications lawyer can help families determine if medical negligence occurred and pursue compensation for long-term care, therapy, and other costs.
What are the damages caused by forceps delivery?
The damages of forceps delivery complications on a baby can range from mild to severe. Some newborns may experience temporary issues like facial bruising, scalp swelling, or minor cuts.
In more serious cases, forceps may cause facial nerve injury, skull fractures, bleeding inside the brain (intracranial hemorrhage), or long-term conditions like cerebral palsy.
Side effects of forceps delivery on a baby are more likely to occur if the forceps are applied incorrectly or used with excessive pressure. While some injuries heal on their own, others may require ongoing medical care and therapy.
If you believe complications from forceps delivery harmed your baby, you may be able to receive money for their care, and we may be able to help.
Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat with one of our trained patient advocates 24/7.
What is the most common injury with forceps delivery?
The most common injury from forceps delivery is facial bruising or marks on the baby’s head or cheeks where the forceps were applied. These marks are usually temporary and fade within a few days.
However, improper use of the tool can lead to more serious complications from forceps delivery, like nerve injury, skull fractures, or bleeding inside the brain.
What are four complications of forceps delivery?
Forceps delivery can lead to a range of complications when not performed correctly.
4 possible forceps delivery complications include:
- Facial nerve injury: Pressure from the forceps can damage facial nerves, leading to temporary or permanent weakness in part of the face.
- Skull fracture: Improper placement or excessive force may cause fractures in the baby’s skull.
- Intracranial hemorrhage: Bleeding in or around the brain can occur, especially in premature infants or when high force is used.
- Brachial plexus injury: Nerve damage in the shoulder and arm area may cause limited movement or paralysis, such as Erb’s palsy.
These complications from forceps delivery may result in long-term medical needs or developmental challenges.
How long does it take for a baby to recover from a forceps delivery?
Recovery depends on how serious the injury is. Minor issues — like small facial bruises or swelling — often heal within a few days or weeks.
More serious complications from forceps delivery, such as nerve damage, skull fractures, or brain injuries, may require long-term care. Sadly, some children may never fully recover.
If you’re concerned your child was injured from forceps delivery complications, you may be able to seek money for their care from a birth injury lawsuit.
Get a free case review right now to see if you may qualify.
Can forceps delivery cause problems later in life?
Yes, forceps delivery complications later in life may stem from injuries that occurred during birth but weren’t immediately obvious.
For example, brain bleeds or nerve damage caused by forceps can result in lasting effects like developmental delays, seizure disorders, or cerebral palsy.
Injuries to the brachial plexus may lead to lifelong weakness or paralysis in one arm. In severe cases, children may require ongoing therapy, surgeries, or assistive devices.
