5 Common Birth Injuries Pregnant Mothers Should Know

If you are an expectant mother, you are likely experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. It’s completely normal to feel anxious about your experience in the delivery room, as it comes with its own risks and complications. That’s why every pregnant mother should know about these common birth injuries to be prepared for a variety of scenarios.

Fractures

Common injuries to a baby during birth include fractures, especially to the clavicle or collarbone. This typically occurs during a difficult delivery or with a large baby. If a fracture occurs, your baby may not be able to move the arm on the side of the break for a few days after birth. But with gentle care and treatment, the fracture usually heals without further complications.

Brain Damage

Should your baby’s brain fail to receive sufficient oxygen during delivery, they may develop a condition called hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Brain damage can result in long-term complications like developmental delays, learning disabilities, and physical impairments. Medical professionals must monitor the baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels throughout labor and delivery to prevent this injury.

If your obstetrician or their attending nurses did not monitor your baby’s vitals during your labor and delivery, talk to an Idaho birth injury attorney about your legal options.

Facial Paralysis

During birth, pressure on the baby’s face can cause injuries to the facial nerves, resulting in partial or total paralysis of the face. If the facial nerve is merely bruised, the paralysis can improve in a few weeks. However, if the nerve is severely damaged, your baby may need surgery to correct it.

Cerebral Palsy

This condition is actually an umbrella term for a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain their balance. It occurs due to damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or shortly after birth. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, affecting different muscle groups and causing varying degrees of motor function impairment.

Brachial Plexus Injuries

Brachial palsy, also called Erb’s palsy, results from damage to the brachial plexus—the network of nerves near the neck that control the arms and hands. This injury often occurs when there is difficulty delivering the baby’s shoulder, referred to as shoulder dystocia. The baby may end up with weakness or even total paralysis in one arm.

As a pregnant mother, understanding the potential risks and common injuries related to childbirth is a step toward ensuring both your health and that of your baby. But remember, every birth is unique. While these injuries can occur, they are not a certainty. Pregnant mothers and their medical teams can lessen the likelihood of these injuries with proper prenatal care and monitoring during delivery.

If your baby does experience an injury during labor and delivery, the attorneys at Rossman Law Group can provide valuable legal advice on how to move forward.