What Every New Mother Should Know About Forceps Delivery Complications

Photo by Luma Pimentel on Unsplash

Giving birth is one of the most special and emotional moments in a mother’s life. Sometimes, when labour doesn’t go as planned, however, doctors may need to step in and assist. One method they often use is a forceps delivery, where an instrument gently guides the baby out during a vaginal birth. While this is a safe method, complications may still arise from the procedure. Here is what you should know about forceps delivery complications.

Baby Complications

These are complications that could affect your baby. They include injuries, tears, and bleeding are the common complications, and they mostly occur when safety protocols are not followed. 

Facial and Head Injuries

Marks on the face and bruising from the forceps are common, but they usually heal quickly. Small cuts and abrasions are also possible, but they do not leave lasting marks on your baby. Facial palsy (temporary facial paralysis) is possible but typically heals over time, and full facial movement is restored.

Bone and Brain Injuries

The bone and brain could be injured in the process because they are soft and malleable at birth. Skull fractures are possible but are extremely rare. Intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding inside the skull) is possible, but it is also rare and not a common occurrence. In the most extreme cases, cerebral palsy may occur, but the probability is low. 

Mother Complications

Complications from forceps deliveries are not restricted to the child alone. Birthing mothers also face some risks when they undergo this procedure. These risks include:

Birth Canal Injuries

Significant tears in the vagina may occur due to the use of forceps. The perineum (area between the vagina and anus) is also susceptible to lacerations and injuries. In addition, the cervix, bladder, and urethra may also experience trauma during the procedure. Blood clots may also form in the veins of the pelvis and legs. Moving around after birth is recommended to allow the free flow of blood in your legs. 

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

The use of forceps can cause a weakened pelvis, which results in pelvic organ prolapse (sagging of the pelvic organs). It could also lead to pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) and chronic discomfort at the entrance to the vaginal area (vulvodynia). Alternatively, it could damage the pelvic floor muscles, which makes the susceptibility to the complications discussed in this section possible.

Postpartum Bleeding

Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) may occur after forceps-assisted births. This excessive bleeding is because the uterus does not contract enough to allow a natural delivery. When pressure is applied to the vessels where the placenta is attached, it may cause bleeding.  While not a common occurrence, it is one of the most probable forceps delivery complications you may experience if you undergo the procedure. 

Endnote

Forceps delivery is safe for mothers, but in some rare cases, complications may occur. If you may have to undergo the procedure, it is important that you know the possible complications that may arise. It is important that you discuss extensively with your doctor to understand the risks and the contingencies. Additionally, you should ascertain that the hospital has put all the guardrails in place to eliminate the possibility of complications.