Did Your Baby Suffer an Injury at Birth?

Childbirth is traumatic for the body of a mother and a child. One slight adjustment in timing or birthing method may result in an injury to a baby.

Birth injuries may prove temporary, or they may last a lifetime. When something happens during labor or delivery that leads to an injury, the medical personnel in charge may need to shoulder the blame. Discover some common injuries a baby sustains that may rise to medical malpractice.

What may lead to a birth injury?

Labor and delivery are strenuous, and without proper monitoring, intervention may not occur when necessary. When a mother labors too long without progressing, the baby may suffer. Stress on the baby may result in abnormal heart rate, oxygen drop or bacteria formation in amniotic fluid.

During delivery, a baby may suffer traumatic bodily injuries while passing through the birth canal. The size and position of the body may require manual manipulation by hands or tools to help a baby through the process. A lengthy delivery may also result in oxygen deprivation if it continues too long.

What are common birth injuries?

When a baby sustains an injury either during labor or delivery, or both, there are some common signs. Bruising is not in and of itself a sign that a medical error occurred during birth. However, bruising combined with other injuries may indicate a delayed delivery. The common birth injuries include:

• Dislocated shoulder
• Fractured collarbone
• Oxygen deprivation
• Nerve damage and facial paralysis
• Crushed windpipe

Many injuries sustained during birth may heal quickly, while others, such as oxygen deprivation and nerve damage, may provide a lifetime of challenges. When a parent suspects a medical error resulted in a birth injury, financial help may allow for continuing medical care for the damage.