A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.
Birth Injury
What is a birth injury?
Occasionally during the birth process, the baby may suffer a birth injury. This is due to an unfavorable event that occurred during birth. This may also be called birth trauma. A birth injury or birth trauma refers to a wide range of injuries that affect the baby's body function or structure. The injuries can be mild to severe. They can result in significant damage or even be life-threatening.
What causes birth injury?
Birth injuries are more common when:
-
The baby is large
-
The baby is not head-first in the birth canal
-
The baby is born prematurely, or too early
-
The size or shape of the mother's pelvis or birth canal makes it difficult for a normal vaginal birth
-
Labor is difficult or very long, such as when contractions aren't strong enough to move the baby through the birth canal
-
The mother is very overweight
-
There is a cesarean delivery
-
Devices, like vacuum or forceps, are used to deliver the baby
What are some of the more common birth injuries?
The following are common birth injuries:
-
Swelling or bruising of the head
-
Bleeding underneath a cranial bone
-
Breakage of small blood vessels in the eyes of a baby
-
Facial nerve injury caused by pressure on the baby's face
-
Injury to the group of nerves that supplies the arms and hands
-
Fracture of the clavicle or collarbone
Online Medical Reviewer:
Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
Online Medical Reviewer:
Mary Terrell MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed:
8/1/2023
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.