What is a birth injury? A birth injury is also known as birth trauma, which consists of an injury that occurs during birth, usually while the infant is in the birth canal. There are a number of reasons a birth injury may occur, with the results varying from mild to severe.
It is hard to predict when a birth injury may occur, and for parents, it can be a very worrisome and stressful event. Depending on the severity of the birth injury, the infant may be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
When an infant passes through the birth canal, he or she undergoes a tremendous amount of pressure and stress. Any prior complications can further increase the risk of birth injury, including:
- Forceps delivery
- Large fetal size (common in diabetic mothers)
- Small birth canal
- Oligohydramnios
- Fetal anomalies
- Breech delivery
- Vacuum extraction delivery
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or low fetal birth weight
- Prolonged labor
There are several types of birth injuries, with outcomes varying, depending on the severity of the injury.
Skin and Soft Tissue Birth Injuries
Lacerations – During cesarean sections (c-sections), lacerations are possible when the delivering physician may cut too deeply into the uterus, causing the blade to cut the infant as well. This type of injury is usually treated with stitches for severe cases, and covered with a bandage for more mild instances. For deep lacerations, additional testing may be done, including x-rays.
Bruising – Bruising may occur all over the body after birth, including the head and face. Since the head usually enters the birth canal first, and receives most of the stress and pressure, bruising is not an uncommon occurrence. They also can form after the use of forceps, which helps pull the baby out. Bruises usually heal on their own, and require little, if no treatment.
Swelling – Swelling may occur after a difficult delivery, particularly around the eyes and genitalia of the infant. This can be a common occurrence, especially from breech deliveries. Swelling usually heals on its own and goes away after a few days.
Bone Injuries
Fractures – Bone fractures can occur during delivery, though this is uncommon. When they do happen, a fracture of the clavicle is seen most often. The clavicle is also known as the collar bone. When a baby gets stuck in the birth canal, shoulder dystocia can occur, which is where the shoulder becomes lodged and cannot continue outward. In these instances, the clavicle can fracture, allowing the infant to be born. The good news is that fractures in newborns often heal very quickly, without any further complications.
Head and Brain Injuries
Bleeding – Because of the tremendous pressure the head experiences during birth, it is possible for a birth injury to occur that ruptures a vessel in the brain. This bleeding in the brain can cause a hemorrhage, which will need to be treated. This occurs more commonly in premature infants. There are three main types of brain bleeds:
- Intraventricular hemorrhages
- Subarachnoid hemorrhages
- Subdural hemorrhages
