Before a baby is born, their position inside the womb matters a lot. Ideally, they should be head-down, facing the mother’s back. But sometimes, they end up in different positions that make delivery harder. If a baby is in a breech position (feet-first), or their shoulder gets stuck during delivery, they are at higher risk for injury.
Doctors try to prevent this by closely monitoring the baby’s position before birth. In some cases, they might try to turn the baby or recommend a C-section to avoid complications.
There are several birth injuries that the baby can suffer as a result of improper positioning, medical malpractice, or several other reasons. As parents or guardians, it is important to understand the available treatments for birth injuries so you can help the child in question have a better life and standard of living.
The Most Dangerous Birth Injuries That Babies Suffer
Here are some of the worst possible birth injuries that babies become victims of as well as their treatment options:
Subgaleal hemorrhage
A more serious condition is a subgaleal hemorrhage, where blood collects between the periosteum and the deepest layer of the scalp. This is dangerous because the blood isn’t confined to one area and can lead to significant blood loss, and when this happens, it can cause shock.
This injury can happen due to forceps, vacuum extraction, or a blood clotting problem. Babies with this condition may need a blood transfusion and intensive care to recover.
Skull fractures
Although rare, a baby’s skull can fracture before or during birth. Most of the time, these fractures heal on their own, unless they form a depression (called a depressed fracture). In such cases, doctors may need to perform surgery to correct the shape of the skull.
Subdural hemorrhage
This is bleeding between the outer and inner layers covering the brain. It’s less common today due to improved childbirth techniques. It can put pressure on the brain and lead to seizures.
Epidural hematoma
This happens between the outer brain covering and the skull, often due to a skull fracture. If it puts pressure on the brain, the baby’s soft spots (fontanelles) may bulge. It can cause breathing problems or seizures.
Intraventricular hemorrhage & intraparenchymal hemorrhage
These types of bleeding occur inside the brain tissue or fluid-filled spaces. They are more common in premature babies rather than being caused by birth trauma. Small bleeds may not cause issues, but larger ones can lead to serious complications or even death.
Treatment for brain bleeds depends on their severity. Babies may need to be monitored in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), receive IV fluids, and undergo imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the brain.
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition caused by brain injury before, during, or after birth. It affects muscle control and can lead to speech and developmental delays. CP occurs in about 4 in 1,000 live births. The brain damage leading to CP may be due to:
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Stroke
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Bleeding in the brain
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Medical negligence
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Infection
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Oxygen deprivation
There is no cure for CP, but treatments like physical therapy, speech therapy, and medications can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Erb’s palsy
Erb’s palsy, also known as brachial plexus injury, affects the nerves that control the shoulder, arm, and hand. It happens when these nerves are stretched or torn during delivery. This can occur if the baby’s shoulders get stuck in the birth canal or if too much force is used to pull them out.
The severity varies depending on how serious it is. In mild cases, the baby may recover movement within a few weeks. However, in more severe cases, the nerve damage may be permanent, requiring physical therapy or even surgery.
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