What is a concerning sign for a newborn following a forceps delivery?

In the context of a newborn following a forceps delivery, reduced movement in one arm is a concerning sign because it may indicate an injury or trauma to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that control arm movement. Forceps delivery often involves significant pressure on the infant's head, which can lead to stretching or injury of these nerves, also known as Erb's Palsy. Observing reduced movement specifically in one arm could suggest that the infant has sustained such an injury, warranting further evaluation and monitoring.

Ecchymosis on the face, while it can indeed occur after a forceps delivery due to the pressure applied, is generally a common and expected finding that usually resolves on its own without causing lasting harm. Temporary irritability in a newborn can also be typical following a difficult delivery and does not usually indicate a serious problem. Normal neonatal reflexes suggest that the newborn's neurological development is on track, which is a positive sign in the immediate postpartum period.