The birth of a child should be a joyous occasion, but complications during labor and delivery can lead to birth injuries, with devastating consequences that affect newborns, mothers, and families. While advances in medical care have significantly reduced the risks associated with childbirth, injuries still occur.
By understanding the most common types of birth injuries, parents can better recognize possible issues early and seek the necessary care and support.
Birth injuries are physical injuries or trauma sustained by a baby during the birthing process. They may occur due to complications during labor, medical negligence, or unexpected difficulties. These injuries can range from minor conditions that resolve quickly to severe, long-term disabilities requiring extensive medical care.
Getting diagnosis and treatment started as soon as possible is crucial to minimizing the impact of these injuries on a child’s development and quality of life.
What are the Most Common Birth Injuries
Several types of birth injuries are seen more frequently than others. Below are some of the most common injuries affecting newborns and the factors that contribute to them.
Brachial Plexus Injuries (Erb’s Palsy)
Brachial plexus injuries, or Erb’s Palsy, happen when the network of nerves that run from the spinal cord to the arm is damaged during the delivery process. This injury often happens when a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone, a condition known as shoulder dystocia.
Symptoms of a brachial plexus injury include weakness, numbness, or paralysis in the affected arm. While some cases resolve with physical therapy, severe injuries may require surgery and can lead to permanent disability.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture. It can occur if the baby’s brain suffers damage due to oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) during labor or delivery. This condition may result from prolonged labor, placental issues, or medical errors such as delayed cesarean delivery.
Symptoms of cerebral palsy often become apparent within the first few years of life and include motor skill delays, stiff or weak muscles, and coordination difficulties. While there is no cure, early intervention and therapy can improve a child’s quality of life.
Bone Fractures
Bone fractures, especially of the clavicle (collarbone), are among the most common birth injuries. They typically occur during difficult deliveries, such as when a baby is in a breech position or during assisted deliveries using forceps or vacuum extractors.
Fortunately, most fractures heal quickly with proper care. In some cases, immobilization or physical therapy may be necessary to ensure complete recovery.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head and brain injuries can result from trauma during delivery, particularly in cases where tools like forceps or vacuum extractors are used improperly. Related injuries can range from mild conditions like scalp bruising (caput succedaneum) to severe medical issues like intracranial hemorrhages (bleeding in the brain).
A serious injury to a baby’s brain can result in long-term complications like developmental delays, cognitive disabilities, or even epilepsy. It’s vital that you get medical attention immediately to manage these injuries and lessen the chance of complications.
Facial Nerve Injuries
Facial nerve injuries can occur when excessive pressure is applied to a baby’s face during delivery.
This is often seen in assisted deliveries involving forceps. The injury can result in weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, making it difficult for the baby to close their eye or move their mouth on the affected side.
While many facial nerve injuries resolve on their own within weeks, severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Perinatal Asphyxia
Perinatal asphyxia is when oxygen and blood flow to the baby’s brain are restricted during or immediately following birth. This often happens because of umbilical cord compression, placental abruption, or extended labor.
Symptoms include poor muscle tone, difficulty breathing, and abnormal heart rate. If not addressed promptly, perinatal asphyxia can lead to major complications like brain damage or organ failure.
Causes and Risk Factors for Birth Injuries
While not all birth injuries can be prevented, certain factors increase the likelihood of complications during delivery. These include:
- Prolonged or Difficult Labor: Lengthy deliveries can increase the risk of trauma to the infant.
- Larger-Sized Babies (Macrosomia): Babies whose weight or size is significantly larger than average are at higher risk of complications during delivery.
- Premature Birth: Preterm babies have underdeveloped muscles and bones, making them more susceptible to injury.
- Improper Use of Delivery Tools: Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors can lead to injuries.
- Medical Negligence: Failing to monitor the baby’s condition, delaying a cesarean section procedure, or improperly managing complications during labor can all contribute to the chance of birth injuries.
If you suspect that your baby’s birth injury resulted from medical negligence, it’s essential to seek legal guidance. At Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC, our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation you need and deserve for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and other costs related to your child’s injuries.
If you believe medical negligence contributed to your child’s injury, don’t hesitate to explore your legal options to ensure justice for your family.