Giving birth is a miraculous yet challenging process. While babies are generally born healthy, complications can sometimes occur that result in injury to the baby. In the UK, there are several birth injuries that happen more frequently than others. Being aware of these common birth injuries can help parents know what to watch out for after delivery.
Cerebral Palsy
One of the well-known birth injuries is cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills. It is caused by damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or during the birth process.
There are a few reasons why a newborn may develop cerebral palsy during delivery. For example, if the umbilical cord becomes wrapped around the baby’s neck, it can cause oxygen deprivation, leading to brain injury. Cerebral palsy can also be due to trauma from the use of forceps or vacuum extraction during a difficult delivery.
According to Scope, 1 in 400 babies born in the UK will have cerebral palsy. While there is no cure, early intervention with physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other therapies can help improve quality of life.
Clavicle Fractures
Another relatively common birthing injury is a clavicle fracture. The clavicle, or collarbone, is fairly fragile in newborns. During delivery, it is possible for the clavicle to get damaged if the baby’s shoulders become stuck during passage through the birth canal.
According to studies, clavicle fractures occur in around 1% of vaginal births. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and decreased arm movement on the affected side. While clavicle fractures heal well on their own, pain management and immobilization of the arm may be needed.
Forceps Trauma
Forceps may be used by doctors to help guide the baby’s head out of the birth canal if delivery is obstructed or stalled. While forceps can help avoid more serious complications, their use also comes with risks.
Forceps can leave marks, bruises, or lacerations on the baby’s face or head. More serious injuries like skull fractures or bleeding in the brain can also occur if too much force is used. According to medical negligence solicitors like www.paduffy-solicitors.com, improper use of forceps accounts for many birth injury claims.
Umbilical Cord Prolapse
An umbilical cord prolapse happens when the umbilical cord slips down into the birth canal ahead of the baby. This can cut off blood flow and oxygen to the baby since the cord becomes compressed.
If an umbilical cord prolapse is not quickly remedied, it can lead to brain damage, cerebral palsy, or death. Doctors may be able to manipulate the baby to take pressure off the cord or deliver the baby as fast as possible via an emergency c-section.
Uterine or Placental Rupture
While rare, another birth injury risk is a uterine or placental rupture. This can occur as a result of trauma to the uterus during a long or difficult delivery.
Placental abruption, or the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, can also deprive the baby of oxygen. Warning signs that a rupture or abruption has occurred include sudden, severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding in the mother. An emergency C-section is typically needed.
Being aware of common birth injuries like those discussed can help new parents know what to watch out for following delivery. Promptly detecting and addressing any injuries or abnormalities can make a big difference in the baby’s health and development.
Published by: Khy Talara
