Forceps Delivery Pelvic Floor Damage

This injury happens during the birthing process as the baby s shoulders are stuck in the mother s pelvic region.

Forceps delivery pelvic floor damage.

Short and long term effects of forceps delivery compared with spontaneous delivery on various pelvic floor parameters. However some women can identify the specific pregnancy or delivery that seemed to have the greatest adverse impact on their pelvic floor function. Mother damaged by forceps delivery compensation. Hence its use should be avoided whenever possible.

This restricts the opening of the pelvis and forces the woman to push her baby against gravity. Liability admitted in full. Risk of serious birth injury due to forceps delivery. 17 some contributing factors in forceps associated pelvic floor trauma include the increased amount of stretch and force enabled by the forceps and the increased speed at which the muscles are stretched.

The first delivery tends to be associated with the greatest amount of damage. Her pelvic floor function is also likely to deteriorate in the future. Protecting the pelvic floor. Vaginal birth especially the first vaginal birth pregnancy.

In women tissue or nerve damage during delivery of a child can weaken the pelvic floor muscles or the sphincter. Also because of the damage to the perineal and vaginal area she can no longer enjoy a full sex life. Use of forceps requires an episiotomy and is likely to result in damage to the pelvic floor. With a forceps delivery there is a chance of severe birth injuries.

Stress incontinence from this damage may begin soon after delivery or occur years later. Forceps is associated with a much higher likelihood of major damage to mothers especially to the anal sphincter and pelvic floor levator ani muscle which can result in major future health problems such as pelvic organ prolapse urinary and fecal incontinence and sexual problems. According to professor peter dietz pelvic floor damage occurs in approximately 44 of forceps deliveries and the use of forceps is currently on the rise in some australian. Meyer s hohlfeld p achtari c et al.

One of the most common injuries is due to infant shoulder dystocia. However both the rigidity and size of current obstetric forceps design may contribute to tearing of the pelvic floor muscles nerves and supporting tissues during delivery. Obstetrics and gynecology 88 470. Common risk factors for maternal pelvic floor damage include.

The biggest risk factor for pelvic floor muscle damage by far is the use of forceps. Handa v harris t ostergard d. Your pelvic floor muscles and urinary sphincter may lose strength because of. Continuous fetal monitoring cfm which forces women to remain lying down or semi reclining.