Discovering that your baby suffered an injury during labor or birth is heartbreaking for parents, and unfortunately, birth injuries happen too often. According to a study, in the United States alone, birth injuries are reported in approximately seven in 1,000 babies born in hospital settings. Most of these birth injuries have severe long-term effects on the baby.
It’s imperative for every parent to understand common birth injuries and their warning signs. This all allows you to know if your child was injured during birth and what that injury means for you and your baby’s future. In this guide, we’ll explain common birth injuries and their long-term effects.
- Brachial Plexus Injury
A brachial plexus injury happens when the nerves that control the arm and hand are destroyed during birth. This usually results from shoulder dystocia, where the baby’s shoulder gets lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone during childbirth. The resulting injury may result in loss of sensation, weakness, and even paralysis in the affected arm.
Some brachial injuries heal on their own, but others require extensive physical injury or surgery. The baby may struggle with hand or arm function, like using the hand properly or lifting the arm.
- Cerebral Palsy
According to the CDC, cerebral palsy affects about one in 345 children in the U.S. It’s a permanent movement disorder that primarily affects muscle control, balance, posture, and motor skills. It happens when a baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen or suffers trauma during childbirth. Early signs of cerebral palsy can range from abnormal muscle tone to delayed developmental milestones.
Caring for a child with cerebral palsy often means ongoing therapy, educational support, and specialized equipment. Home adaptations that help make everyday activities safer and more manageable may also be necessary. Parents should look for signs such as unusual muscle stiffness and feeding difficulties. Early intervention can improve mobility, communication, and overall development.
- Spinal Cord Injury
In some cases, a medical professional’s incorrect use of delivery tools like forceps can cause devastating spinal cord injuries. This may result in permanent limitations in movement, independent breathing, and other essential bodily functions. Spinal cord injuries resulting from the improper use of forceps during birth can also leave a child with partial or complete paralysis.
Children with spinal cord injuries often need ongoing medical care, including physical therapy, respiratory assistance, and specialized adaptive equipment. If your child’s spinal cord is injured during birth, you may also need to make home modifications to improve accessibility for wheelchairs and medical devices.
- Skull Fractures
A skull fracture may occur when too much force is applied during delivery. While some skull fractures heal on their own, others require surgical treatment and may result in permanent neurological or developmental complications.
Birth-related skull fractures can have lasting consequences, including learning disabilities, vision impairment, or hearing loss. Early diagnosis and appropriate medical care can help improve long-term outcomes.
Parents should watch for signs like seizures, unusual swelling, excessive drowsiness, or changes in behavior or development. Reporting these symptoms to a healthcare professional as soon as possible can help ensure timely treatment.
Endnote
These birth injuries are unfortunate, and most of them are a result of negligence on the part of medical professionals. In the unfortunate event that your child experiences a birth injury, you may be eligible to file a medical negligence lawsuit. While your first priority should be your child’s health needs, with the help of a birth injury lawyer, you can seek justice and compensation for a birth injury.
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