Common Birth Injuries

The birth of a child should be one of the happiest moments in the life of an expectant parent. Sadly, though, elation can quickly turn to sadness when a child ends up with a birth injury.

Birth injuries are often caused by negligence. While births are everyday events for doctors and nurses, medical staff can still be negligent with the labor or delivery of a baby.

Birth injuries are more likely to occur when the baby is large, premature, unable to fit through the mother’s pelvis or birth canal, or the labor is long or difficult. Birth injuries can affect the baby, mother, or both. While some birth injuries are temporary, many are permanent and can even result in death.

Birth injuries need to be treated promptly to avoid complications. Here are some common birth injuries to be aware of.

Brachial Plexus Injuries

This involves damage to the nerves controlling the arm and shoulder, often caused by excessive pulling during delivery. Erb’s Palsy is the most common brachial plexus injury.

Fractures

The clavicle, or collarbone, is the most common fracture. It often happens in cases of shoulder dystocia or difficult delivery. A skull fracture is rare, but may occur with the use of forceps or in difficult labors.

Cephalohematoma

This refers to blood pooling under the skull, often due to the use of forceps or vacuum extractors.

Caput Succedaneum

This refers to swelling of the scalp caused by pressure during delivery.

Neurological Injuries

Cerebral palsy is a common medical condition that can result from oxygen deprivation or trauma during birth. An intracranial hemorrhage can cause bleeding within the skull due to head trauma or oxygen deprivation. A baby may also suffer facial nerve damage due to pressure on the baby’s face during delivery, particularly with forceps use.

Oxygen Deprivation Injuries

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy causes brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow during birth. Meconium aspiration syndrome can also occur. It happens when a baby inhales a mixture of meconium (stool) and amniotic fluid, potentially causing respiratory issues.

Soft Tissue Injuries

A baby may suffer bruising and lacerations if the doctor used a vacuum or forceps during delivery. A subconjunctival hemorrhage could also occur. This refers to broken blood vessels in the eyes. These are typically harmless and tend to resolve on their own.

Infections and Related Issues

If the baby is exposed to infection during delivery, they could develop sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Birth asphyxia is another possible complication. It refers to severe oxygen deprivation, which can lead to long-term complications.

Contact Us Today

A birth injury can cause a lot of stress at a time when parents should be joyful. Families are often left grappling with physical, emotional, and financial hardships after a birth injury, but the right legal help can make the process easier.

When your family is facing the aftermath of a birth injury, a Mt. Juliet birth injury lawyer from Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC can help. We can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation your family needs. Schedule a consultation today by calling (615) 622-6060 or filling out the online form.

Source:

stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=birth-injury-90-P02340#:~:text=What%20are%20some%20of%20the,of%20the%20clavicle%20or%20collarbone