Birth injuries, while less common today than in previous decades remain a significant concern for parents, medical professionals, and public health officials.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the US averages around 3,600,000 live births each year. While the vast majority of these see no serious complications, birth injuries due to negligence or malpractice do happen, and when they do, they can be devastating.
The severity of these injuries can vary widely, ranging from temporary conditions that resolve within weeks to life-altering complications requiring long-term care. Understanding how common birth injuries are, the circumstances under which they occur, and their impact can help families and healthcare providers work toward better outcomes.
Birth Injuries in the United States
Birth injuries can occur in any setting, though most cases happen in hospitals during labor and delivery.
The chances of a birth injury happening typically depend on a variety of factors, like the health of both mother and baby, the quality of care that’s provided, and if it was a routine delivery or involved complications. Medical advancements in prenatal and perinatal care have significantly lowered birth injury rates, but risks remain, especially in high-stress or emergency care situations.
What Causes Birth Injuries?
Birth injuries usually take place during labor and delivery, often due to physical stress or medical intervention.
Some common causes include:
- Prolonged or Difficult Labor: If labor and delivery take longer than expected or difficulties arise during the process, infants may be forced to endure excessive pressure that increases the risk of injury.
- Medical Interventions: The use of tools like forceps or vacuum extractors to assist delivery can sometimes lead to injuries if not used correctly.
- Large Babies (Macrosomia): Babies weighing more than 8 pounds and 13 ounces are at higher risk of injuries due to their size.
- Premature Birth: Infants born before thirty-seven weeks are significantly more fragile than full-term births and can be more susceptible to injuries during delivery.
- Maternal Health Conditions: If the mother suffers from conditions like diabetes or obesity, these can also cause complications in pregnancies and deliveries, increasing birth injury risks.
Unfortunately, while many of these causes simply can’t be avoided, birth injuries can still result from preventable medical errors or negligent actions during delivery.
Types of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries range from mild and temporary to severe and permanent. Some of the most common include:
- Brachial Plexus Injuries: These injuries occur when the nerves controlling the arm and hand are stretched or torn during delivery, often due to shoulder dystocia. Well-known brachial plexus injuries include Erb’s palsy or Klumpke’s palsy.
- Fractures: Clavicle fractures are among the most frequent, typically resulting from difficult deliveries.
- Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle coordination. Often linked to brain damage during childbirth due to oxygen deprivation or trauma.
- Facial Nerve Damage: Pressure on the baby’s face during delivery can cause temporary or permanent nerve damage.
- Cephalohematoma: This is a collection of blood under the baby’s scalp, often caused by the use of forceps or vacuum extractors.
The severity of these injuries depends on how they are handled during and after delivery. Prompt and effective medical care can reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Certain groups face a higher risk of birth injuries. First-time mothers, mothers with high-risk pregnancies, and those delivering multiples (twins or more) often encounter more challenges during labor and delivery. Additionally, babies born prematurely or with above-average birth weights are at greater risk.
Socioeconomic factors also play a role. Families with limited access to quality prenatal care may not receive the necessary monitoring and interventions to prevent complications. Hospitals with understaffed or undertrained labor and delivery teams may also contribute to higher rates of birth injuries.
How Birth Injuries Affect Families
The impact of a birth injury continues far past the delivery. For many families, it can be an overwhelming physical and emotional toll that lasts a lifetime. While mild injuries, like minor fractures, can heal within a few weeks, severe cases like cerebral palsy can lead to lifelong challenges.
Parents of children with significant injuries often face financial strain due to the cost of ongoing medical care, therapy, and the need for specialized (and expensive) equipment. The emotional stress that comes from managing a disabled child’s needs can also affect family dynamics and mental health.
What to Do If a Birth Injury Occurs
If your child has experienced a birth injury, seeking medical care immediately is essential. For families facing long-term challenges, consulting specialists in pediatric care and therapy can help provide the best possible outcomes.
It’s also important to determine whether the injury was preventable. If medical negligence or errors contributed to the injury, families may have legal options to seek compensation. Consulting a medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue justice for your child.
Birth injuries, while relatively uncommon compared to the total number of births, remain a serious concern for families and medical providers. By understanding the causes and risk factors, expectant parents can be empowered to take proactive steps during pregnancy and delivery.
While medical advancements have, thankfully, made these types of injuries less common, continued vigilance, responsible medical care, and informed decision-making are essential for ensuring the safety of both mother and baby.
If your child has suffered birth injuries and you suspect medical malpractice, an experienced attorney at Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC can help.
