The Most Common Types of Birth Injuries You Should be Aware of

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Every human is susceptible to physical and internal injuries, unfortunately, infants are no exception. Over 4 million babies are born with natal injuries every year, and not all of them are fortunate enough to scale out of them without long lasting complications.

These injuries are sometimes caused by the negligence or incompetence of medical personnel who played a role in the birthing process. If you suspect that this has been the case, you have the right to pursue a lawsuit against the at fault party. 

The duty of proving negligence in a birth injury falls on you, the plaintiff, as well as your lawyer. You would have to prove that the defendant played an undisputable role that caused your child to suffer birth injuries.

Speaking of birth injuries, here are some of the most common types that affect newborns every year:

Cephalohematoma

Cephalohematoma is a collection of blood that forms between the scalp and skull bone of a newborn. It's caused by bruising during delivery, especially if the labor was difficult, the baby was large, or instruments like forceps or a vacuum were used. This is a fairly common occurrence, affecting about 1% of newborns. 

While it might look scary, it's usually not serious at all. You'll likely notice a soft swelling on your baby's head, usually appearing a few hours after birth. 

The good news is that cephalohematoma typically resolves on its own within a few weeks and doesn't require any treatment.

Head injuries  

These are simply bumps, bruises, or swellings on the scalp that are not serious. They can happen due to the use of forceps or a vacuum during delivery, or just the pressure of childbirth.

These are very common, and there is usually no cause for alarm. The bumps and bruises will heal on their own within a few days.

Erb's palsy

Erb's palsy is a bit more serious than the Cephalohematoma mentioned above. Thankfully, it is not quite common and it affects only about 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 births. It happens when nerves in the baby's shoulder and arm are injured during delivery, often due to a difficult labor, breech position (baby coming feet first), or a large baby. 

This injury can affect movement in the arm and hand, ranging from mild weakness to complete paralysis. Signs to watch for include weakness, limpness, or even paralysis in the arm and hand on the affected side. The arm might also appear different in position compared to the other arm.

With early diagnosis, Erb's palsy can be handled to complete cure. Treatment options include physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication, and sometimes surgery.

Brain bleeds

Brain bleeds, also known as intracranial hemorrhage, are a serious condition where bleeding occurs within the skull, putting pressure on the brain. This can happen due to premature birth, a difficult labor, low birth weight, or infections. Thankfully, brain bleeds are less common than cephalohematoma. 

Symptoms of a brain bleed can include seizures, difficulty feeding, lethargy, and unusual breathing patterns. 

Nerve injury

During childbirth, some pressure on the baby's head is normal. But sometimes, nerves in the baby's neck and shoulder area can get stretched or torn during delivery, leading to a nerve injury. 

This can happen if the delivery is difficult, the baby is large, or if the doctor uses forceps or vacuum to assist with the birth. Nerve injuries can range from mild to severe, affecting movement and feeling in the arm, hand, or face. 

Symptoms might include weakness, limpness, or unusual sensations like prickling or numbness. Most times, physical therapy and medication are all it takes to get your baby to 100% health.

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Subconjunctival hemorrhage

Subconjunctival hemorrhage sounds like a scary condition, but it's actually a common and usually harmless condition. It's basically a burst blood vessel under the clear surface of the eye, causing a red patch to appear. 

This can happen during delivery due to pressure on the baby's head. The good news is that subconjunctival hemorrhage doesn't affect the baby's vision and usually clears up on its own within a few weeks. You won't need any treatment for this.

Wrapping Up

If you have any concerns about your baby's health, especially regarding any potential birth injuries, talk to your pediatrician right away. Early diagnosis and intervention are key for the best possible outcome. 

And, if you suspect foul play in the procedure, be sure to contact a competent legal representative who can help you ascertain the facts and also get justice and compensation for your baby’s condition.