Forceps deliveries, a type of assisted vaginal delivery using a tong-like instrument to help guide the baby out of the birth canal, have been associated with certain birth injuries, but whether they directly cause cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex issue. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder caused by damage to the developing brain, often before or during birth, affecting movement and muscle tone. The relationship between forceps delivery and cerebral palsy involves multiple factors including the circumstances leading to the use of forceps, the technique applied, and the presence of other complications during labor.
Forceps are typically used when labor is prolonged, the baby shows signs of distress, or the mother is unable to push effectively. When used correctly, forceps can be lifesaving by facilitating delivery and preventing hypoxia (lack of oxygen), which is a known cause of cerebral palsy. However, improper or excessive force during the use of forceps can cause trauma to the infant’s head and brain, potentially leading to injuries that increase the risk of cerebral palsy[5][4].
Medical literature and legal cases indicate that birth injuries related to forceps delivery can include bruising, skull fractures, nerve damage, and intracranial hemorrhages (bleeding in the brain). These injuries can contribute to brain damage, which is a direct cause of cerebral palsy. For example, intracranial hemorrhage caused by excessive force or improper use of forceps can damage brain tissue responsible for motor control, leading to CP[2][5]. Additionally, improper use of forceps may cause trauma to the facial nerves or the clavicle, but these are less directly linked to cerebral palsy[3].
It is important to note that cerebral palsy is not caused by forceps delivery alone but rather by brain injury that may occur due to a combination of factors such as fetal distress, lack of oxygen (hypoxia), or trauma during delivery. Forceps delivery is often employed in situations where the baby is already at risk, such as prolonged labor or fetal distress, which themselves are risk factors for cerebral palsy[5][4]. Therefore, forceps delivery can be a marker of complicated labor rather than the sole cause of CP.
Studies and expert opinions emphasize that the risk of cerebral palsy increases when forceps or other assisted delivery tools are used improperly or excessively. Medical negligence, such as failure to monitor fetal distress adequately or inappropriate use of forceps when a cesarean section would have been safer, can increase the likelihood of brain injury and subsequent cerebral palsy[4][5]. For instance, multiple failed attempts with forceps or use despite contraindications are warning signs of substandard care that may lead to birth trauma and CP.
In terms of statistics, while forceps deliveries carry some risk of injury, vacuum-assisted deliveries have been associated with a higher incidence of certain fetal complications, including cerebral palsy, due to the nature of the suction applied to the baby’s head[2]. However, both methods require careful clinical judgment and skilled application to minimize risks.
Beyond physical injuries, forceps delivery can also have psychological effects on both mother and baby, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and difficulties in early bonding, which, while not causing cerebral palsy, contribute to the overall birth trauma experience[1].
In summary, forceps deliveries do not inherently cause cerebral palsy, but improper use or medical negligence during forceps-assisted deliver
