The History of Forceps Delivery
It is somewhat telling, and upsetting, that one of the earliest uses and designs for forceps was to remove a fetus that was deceased in an effort to save the life of the mother. Thousands of years ago, in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Rome, and beyond, this was the association and purpose of forceps. As such, it does not come entirely as a surprise that even in their modern incarnations, forceps may pose a threat to the health and safety of both the mother and child.
The first known model of the forceps that are used today to assist in what are termed “operative vaginal deliveries” appeared around the turn of the 17th century, when one of two obstetric surgeon French brothers named Peter Chamberlen invented the device. They went to great pains to keep the implements a family secret, and it was more than a century before knowledge of the device was made public.
From that time, there have been hundreds of modifications, some of which have been substantial and others of which were simply cosmetic. In essence, the current version has been more-or-less the same design since roughly the end of World War I, and in the time since then, the use of forceps in childbirth has seen a rise and subsequent falling out of favor as Cesarean section surgery became a relatively safe alternative.
Benefits and Consequences
This falling out of favor has not been without sufficient medical reason. While forceps delivery does offer an alternative to the more invasive surgical Cesarean section and it allows for a quicker procedure in cases where the fetus or mother may be in danger, those benefits are more than offset by the consequences.
One significant drawback to a forceps delivery is the risk of birth injury to the child that can be temporary (such as facial bruising or skull fracture) or permanent (in a case of nerve damage or brain damage that may lead to mental retardation). These injuries can be physically and emotionally traumatic for both parents and the injured newborn.
Another major complication is that a forceps delivery will likely require an episiotomy, and although it has come to be regarded as a somewhat typical part of childbirth, it is a surgical procedure that uses anesthesia and necessitates stitches and increased recovery time.
Contact Us
As you can see, the history of forceps is one that is long on problems and short on present advantages. If you have been injured or your child has suffered a birth injury from a forceps delivery, contact the Philadelphia birth injury lawyer of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 215-238-1130.