Understanding Common Types of Birth Injuries and Their Causes

Sara Canning

The birth of a baby is a joyful moment for any family. However, sometimes complications during childbirth can lead to birth injuries. These injuries can impact the baby's health and well-being. It can leave parents worried and overwhelmed. Knowing about the kinds of birth injuries and causes will help you to understand what you should do next.

If your kid has a birth injury, you might be in shock, anger, or confusion. During this time, you should consult with professionals like birth injury lawyers to punish the at-fault party and secure fair compensation for your losses.

What are the Types of Birth Injuries?

Some common birth injuries and their causes are listed below:

• Brachial Plexus Injury: This injury occurs when the nerves that attach the baby's spine to the arm are damaged at birth. It could result in weakness, loss of motion, or paralysis of the arm. A common cause is excessive pulling on the baby's shoulders during delivery.

• Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy is brain damage that takes place just after birth or during pregnancy. It affects the muscle control, movement, and posture of a child. It may be caused by an insufficient supply of oxygen during delivery or by medical tools.

• Fractures: Fractures, like a broken collarbone, are common in difficult deliveries, particularly if the baby is bigger than average size or instruments like forceps are used. Most fractures heal with care and time.

• Damage to Facial Nerves: Too much force is applied to the face of the baby during birth (especially with forceps) can cause facial nerve damage. This can cause temporary or permanent weakness of facial muscles.

• Perinatal Asphyxia: This occurs if the baby doesn't receive plenty of oxygen at birth. It could result in developmental delays or brain damage. Such cases warrant quick medical intervention.

What are the Causes of Birth Injury?

Knowing what causes birth injuries may help you prepare for childbirth. Some injuries are caused by natural complications but others are associated with medical errors. The following are common causes:

• Prolonged Labor: A long and difficult labor may place the baby or the mother in danger. Prolonged labor increases the risk of oxygen starvation or physical trauma to the baby.

• Medical Tools Used Improperly: Tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors may be used to deliver the baby. If not used very carefully, they could break bones, bruise, or harm a nerve.

• Large Baby Size (Macrosomia): Larger than average babies are at risk for complications during delivery such as shoulder dystocia (a stuck shoulder in the birth canal).

• Premature Birth: Babies born prematurely have less developed organs and tissues that are susceptible to injuries during delivery.

Final Thoughts

If your infant has suffered a birth injury, know that you're not alone. Several families have faced similar challenges and moved forward. Get your baby the very best medical care possible. In case you think the injury was the result of medical negligence, make sure you speak with a lawyer. Join support groups or talk to other parents who have gone through something very similar.