Types Of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries are physical or neurological injuries to a baby that occur during labor, delivery, or shortly after birth. These injuries can range from mild and temporary to severe and life-altering. They may result from natural complications, medical negligence, or a combination of factors. Understanding the most common types of birth injuries can help families identify potential issues early and seek appropriate care or legal recourse when necessary.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most severe birth injuries and is often linked to oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) during delivery. CP affects muscle control, coordination, and movement, potentially leading to lifelong disabilities. It can result from:

• Prolonged labor
• Misuse of delivery tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors
• Failure to monitor and address fetal distress While CP varies in severity, it often requires long-term medical care, therapy, and assistive devices.

Brachial Plexus Injuries

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves connecting the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this area, such as Erb’s palsy or Klumpke’s palsy, can occur during difficult deliveries, especially if:

• The baby is large (macrosomia)
• Shoulder dystocia (shoulder getting stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone) occurs
• Excessive force is applied while delivering the baby. These injuries can lead to weakness, loss of sensation, or even permanent paralysis in the affected arm.

Bone Fractures

Bone fractures are relatively common during complicated deliveries, particularly in the collarbone (clavicle). These fractures often occur when:

• A baby is delivered using forceps or vacuum extractors
• Shoulder dystocia or breech presentation complicates delivery. While most fractures heal quickly with proper care, severe cases may require medical intervention to ensure proper alignment and healing.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

HIE is a serious condition caused by insufficient oxygen and blood flow to the baby’s brain during labor or delivery. It can result in permanent brain damage, developmental delays, or even death. Causes include:

• Umbilical cord issues, such as prolapse or compression
• Prolonged labor or uterine rupture
• Failure to perform an emergency C-section promptly Immediate medical intervention is critical to minimize long-term effects.

Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis can occur when excessive pressure is applied to the baby’s face during delivery. This is often associated with the improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors. Symptoms include:

• Inability to close one eye
• Lack of movement on one side of the face While mild cases may resolve over time, severe damage to facial nerves can result in permanent paralysis.

Caput Succedaneum

Caput succedaneum is swelling of the soft tissues on a baby’s scalp, typically caused by prolonged pressure during delivery. This condition is often harmless and resolves within a few days. However, it can sometimes be a precursor to more serious conditions, such as cephalohematoma or infection.

Cephalohematoma

Cephalohematoma is the accumulation of blood between the baby’s skull and its periosteum (the membrane covering the skull). It often occurs due to the use of delivery instruments like forceps or vacuum extractors. While the condition typically resolves independently, complications such as jaundice, anemia, or infections may arise.

Intrauterine Fractures

In rare cases, fractures may occur before delivery due to improper handling of fetal positioning or medical interventions. These fractures are most common in difficult or breech births and may require surgical or orthopedic treatment.

Perinatal Asphyxia

Perinatal asphyxia occurs when a baby experiences prolonged oxygen deprivation before, during, or immediately after birth. This can lead to organ damage, developmental delays, or conditions like cerebral palsy. Causes include:

• Delayed delivery
• Placental abruption
• Umbilical cord complications Immediate resuscitation and monitoring are crucial to mitigate long-term effects.

Has Your Child Suffered A Birth Injury?

Birth injuries can have profound impacts on a child and their family. While some injuries are unavoidable due to natural complications, others result from medical negligence. A Scottsdale birth injury lawyer can help your family get the financial justice you deserve. Call SL Chapman Trial Lawyers to learn more.