Source of Severe Birth Injuries
Out of 24 high-income countries, Canada has the highest rate of maternal injuries from forceps and vacuum-assisted deliveries, according to a new study. Birth mothers can suffer severe long-term trauma, prompting the study’s authors to call for urgent action.
Researchers looked at more than 35,000 single infant births and found one-in-four attempted forceps deliveries and one-in-eight attempted vacuum-assisted deliveries resulted in injury. Most commonly, it caused obstetric anal sphincter injury, a severe tearing to the perineum of the mother. Canada’s injury rate was 16 percent, whereas other high-income countries had an average of 5 percent.
“These rates of injuries are absurdly, unacceptably high,” noted epidemiologist Giulia Muraca, one of the study’s authors. “Perhaps even worse, we’re not even recognizing or talking about them.”
Where does the U.S. stand in terms of birth trauma related to the use of forceps or vacuum-assisted deliveries?
According to a National Library of Medicine report, while the rates have declined over the past several decades, the use of these tools remain issues of concern, causing clinical conditions like these:
- Cephalohematoma: A collection of blood under the scalp resulting from the rupture of blood vessels. It can cause calcification, skull deformities, infection, and bone infection.
- Subgaleal hemorrhage: An injury that occurs when traction pulls the scalp away from the bone, which can cause massive internal bleeding leading to acute hypovolemic shock, multi-organ failure and even death.
- Facial nerve Injury: Usually a result of pressure on the facial nerve by forceps, this can result in diminished movement or loss of motion on the affected side of the face.
- Ocular injuries: These are superficial hematomas resulting from increased pressure to the head and neck veins during birth. While this usually resolves without intervention, it can also cause corneal abrasions or hemorrhages that, left untreated, can lead to long-term visual defects.
When a birth injury happens, it can be devastating. But the help of a top Philadelphia birth injury attorney can make all the difference between a life of hardship or one of support. Tom Duffy has recovered settlements in excess of $20,000,000. Contact us to learn more or set a time to speak about the details of your case.