What is a birth injury?

A birth injury, also referred to as birth trauma, is any type of injury sustained by an infant as a result of the childbirth process. It is estimated that as many as seven babies out of 1,000 in the United States suffer harm during labor and delivery. Birth injuries can take on many forms and degrees of severity. In some cases, unfortunately, birth injuries are caused by negligence on the part of a professional medical provider.

What are the most common types of birth injuries?

Although there are numerous types of birth injuries, some of the more common occurrences include:

• Bruising, lacerations, or forceps marks
• Brain damage
• Internal bleeding
• Severe swelling of the scalp
• Breakage of small blood vessels in the eyes
• Facial paralysis
• Fractures
• Shoulder dystocia injuries Learn more »
• Erb's palsy (also called brachial palsy) Learn more »
• Cerebral palsy Learn more »

How are birth injuries caused?

The natural contractions and contortions that come with childbirth can be hard on a small infant, and the potential for injury is always there. Factors such as pelvic irregularities, an abnormally large fetus, or prematurity can increase the chances of trauma during childbirth.

However, in some circumstances, it is revealed that some form of medical negligence, or malpractice, occurred during labor and delivery which may have caused unnecessary harm to the child. Acts of medical negligence may involve the improper use of delivery aids such as forceps or vacuum extraction.

Other birth injuries may be caused by exposure to dangerous workplace chemicals or prescription drugs and other medications taken by the mother before or during pregnancy.

For More Information on Birth Injury Causes, Click Here.

What is the difference between a birth defect and a birth injury?

A birth defect is present at the time of birth, caused by factors such as a genetic condition or toxic exposure inside the womb. In contrast, a birth injury generally results from complications arising from the childbirth process itself.

What are signs that a birth injury has occurred?

Identifying a birth injury is not an easy task. In some cases, evidence of an injury may be apparent immediately after delivery. Often, however, symptoms of a birth injury may not appear until months or even years later. Some initial signs of birth injuries may include:

• Abrasions, bruises or swelling on the infant's face, head or shoulder
• Seizures that develop within 48 hours
• A "floppy" appearance indicating lack of muscle tone
• One arm that is limp in appearance
• The infant's failure to begin breathing immediately following delivery

Birth injury symptoms that can appear later in a child's life include lack of muscle coordination, drooling, uneven gait, or difficulty with speech.