Man claims baby's face bruised by forceps during delivery, KKH explains it's a natural occurrence

A man has accused KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) of negligence after his baby boy, who was delivered on May 28, 2025 with the aid of forceps, spotted bruises on his face.

The man, Kevin Chua, told Mothership that after the birth of his son via caesarean delivery, or C-section, a nurse noted red marks on the child's face that eventually turned into bruises.

Marks on baby's face

Photos of the baby provided by Chua showed red and purple marks around the boy's mouth and cheeks.

The father confirmed that the bruises subsequently faded after more than three weeks.

There were also allegedly traces of blood in the baby's vomit while he was feeding.

Chua also claimed that the doctor failed to provide an explanation for the bruises during a routine check on the baby a day after his birth, only assuring the family that they "would fade in two to three days".

He added that no compensation nor apology has been offered by KKH, besides admitting that the bruises had been caused by the use of forceps.

Multiple attempts to seek further clarification with the hospital were also deflected, Chua said, leading to him eventually lodging a formal complaint with the Ministry of Health (MOH), which has not provided a response.

KKH response: Appropriate care was taken

KKH has since acknowledged the concerns voiced by Chua.

Mothership understands that a letter dated Aug. 1 was sent to Chua's wife to explain the situation, and that she was informed immediately post-delivery on the use of forceps.

In a statement to Mothership on Sep. 1, the hospital's Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Senior Consultant Associate Professor Suzanna Sulaiman said "appropriate care was provided throughout the delivery process" and "strict clinical standards" were adhered to.

She explained that the blood found in the baby's vomit was likely from the mother's blood that the baby had swallowed during delivery, an occurrence that is neither uncommon nor harmful.

Forceps needed

Addressing the use of forceps, she added that it is an "internationally recognised and established practice in deliveries" and necessary for delayed deliveries.

A failure to employ the tool could result in brain injury or cerebral palsy from the lack of oxygen, she said.

"In some cases, the baby may experience temporary marks."

Suzanna said the bruises on Chua's baby were found to be superficial, but they were monitored daily nonetheless.

She also emphasised that Chua's wife was regularly kept updated on the situation and informed that the marks would take time to heal.

They were found to be fading during an unrelated hospital admission days later, and fully resolved a month later.

"We regret that the explanations and assurances did not meet the family’s expectations. We would like to emphasise that the assisted delivery was necessary to ensure the safety of the mother and baby," she said.

"We remain committed to supporting Mr Chua and his family and addressing any further concerns they may have."

Top images via Kevin Chua