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A 2025 study found that hospitals performing fewer assisted deliveries — births using forceps or vacuum extractors — may have higher rates of birth injuries.
The research, published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open, analyzed more than 300,000 births in California over 12 years.
It found a concerning trend — hospitals performing fewer assisted deliveries had significantly higher birth injury rates than those that performed them more often.
These findings highlight the potential risks of inexperience when doctors use tools like forceps or vacuum extractors to assist with childbirth.
For families facing the challenges of a birth injury, financial compensation may help ease the burden. See if you qualify with a free case review.
What Does the Study Mean?
The study analyzed operative vaginal deliveries (OVDs), which include forceps and vacuum-assisted births. Researchers grouped hospitals into three categories based on how often they performed these procedures: low-, medium-, and high-volume.
When comparing outcomes, the study found that low-volume hospitals had higher rates of serious birth injuries.
Birth injuries more common in low-volume hospitals include:
- Brachial plexus injuries (nerve damage causing weakness or paralysis in the arm)
- Intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)
- Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions
- Shoulder dystocia (baby’s shoulder gets stuck during delivery)
- Subgaleal hemorrhage (life-threatening bleeding between the baby’s scalp and skull)
Mothers delivering at these hospitals also faced higher rates of severe perineal tears, cervical lacerations, and postpartum hemorrhage (excessive bleeding after birth).
These findings suggest that the volume of OVDs performed at a hospital may impact the safety and outcomes of these deliveries — but all hospitals should be able to offer mothers a safe delivery.
Birth injuries can lead to lifelong disabilities like cerebral palsy, leaving many families with emotional and financial burdens for years to come.
Why Inexperience Can Increase Birth Injury Risks
Doctors use forceps and vacuum extractors when labor is prolonged or complications arise, but these tools require precision and skill.
When used correctly, assisted delivery tools can prevent the need for a cesarean section (C-section). However, if used improperly, they can cause serious harm.
Doctors unpracticed in performing assisted deliveries may:
- Apply too much force, leading to skull fractures or brain bleeds
- Incorrectly position the tools, which can damage the baby’s nerves or spine
- Wait too long to intervene, causing oxygen deprivation and potential brain damage
The study suggests that hospitals with more frequent assisted deliveries may have better outcomes because their doctors are more experienced with these procedures.
Get Legal Help for Birth Injuries Caused by Assisted Delivery
If improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors caused your child’s birth injury, you may be eligible for compensation.
A birth injury claim can help cover medical treatments, therapy, long-term care, and other essential needs while holding negligent health care providers accountable.
The Birth Injury Justice Center partners with experienced birth injury attorneys nationwide who can guide families through the legal process and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 or get a free case review to find out if you may qualify.
