Ventouse and Forceps delivery claims

Forceps and ventouse delivery claims

Although delivery by forceps or by ventouse may increase certain risks to you and your child, these risks remain relatively low as long as proper procedure is followed and precautions are taken. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and there are a number of instances where failures on the part of medical staff could mean you are entitled to forceps injury compensation:

• Where there is an unnecessary delay in utilising either forceps or the Ventouse device.
• Where the wrong decision is made in reference to which instrument to use.
• If the medical personnel responsible for using the forceps or ventouse has had insufficient training and an injury arises as a result.
• Where medical staff are too forceful with forceps causing injury to the child or the mother.

Why make a forceps/ventouse claim?

Injuries caused by forceps or ventouse, could lead to lasting injury to you and/or your baby. This can lead to further complications such as cerebral palsy and erbs palsy. These complex conditions will often mean your child will require extra specialist care, which can be expensive.

It may also affect your ability to work due to injury or care duties. Making a birth injury compensation claim is the best way to secure your financial future.

What is a forceps delivery?

Forceps deliveries are a form of assisted delivery for women who may experience significantly elevated difficulties or risks when giving birth conventionally.

Forceps are metal instruments shaped like a pair of spoons; they have a curved surface designed to fit around a baby’s head without damaging it. Once in position, the instrument provides purchase on the baby to the operator and enables them to manoeuvre the child through the birthing process to aid a successful delivery.

Are there any risks associated with a forceps delivery?

There are risks associated with a forceps delivery, and as such, the procedure should only be used when deemed appropriate by a doctor.

The risks to you may include:

• A greater chance of vaginal tears sometimes referred to as “episiotomies”.
• Increased risks of blood clotting.
• Incontinence – both urinary and vaginal.
• You may also need a catheter to help drain your bladder for the 24 hours following delivery, particularly if you have had an epidural (painkiller) to numb the area around it.

The risks to your baby could potentially include:

• Face marks left by the forceps – typically disappear within 48 hours of delivery.
• Minor cuts to the face or to the scalp.
• A greater risk of developing jaundice, which usually subsides after a few days.

What is a ventouse delivery?

Ventouse deliveries take place when doctors / medical professionals deem a conventional vaginal birth to be too dangerous for you and/or your child. Whilst they are not necessary for most births, they are still common medical practice in the UK and considered safe when carried out by qualified professionals. The practice involves attaching a suction cup to the baby’s head and using this to help manoeuvre the baby through the birth canal.

Are there any risks associated with a ventouse delivery?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with a ventouse delivery and these should be weighed against the prospective benefits by appropriately trained medical personnel.

Risks to you can include:

• Episiotomies or vaginal tearing – these can usually be repaired using stitches which will then dissolve and disappear.
• A greater risk of blood clots in your legs or pelvis – you may be advised to wear special anti-clot stockings and/or move around as much as possible following birth to address this risk.
• Urinary and/or anal incontinence following the birth, with the former, addressed via physiotherapy exercises.

Risks to your child can include:

• Imprints or marks – known as “chignons” are left behind on your baby’s head, which typically disappears within 48 hours after birth.
• “Cephalohaematomas” or small bruises on the head – these too will disappear in time.
• A greater risk of developing jaundice, which should subsequently be monitored but will normally subside within a few days.

Specialist forceps delivery injury claim solicitors

Contacting Blackwater Law medical negligence solicitors means you will get free initial advice and support from a legal team that is independently recognised by the Legal 500 as one of the best in the country. Our expert team can offer you the experience and the knowledge necessary to determine quickly whether or not you have grounds to make a forceps/ventouse delivery compensation claim and to support you at every stage thereafter. It’s important to get in touch quickly, however, as time restrictions may apply to your case.