3 Types Of Birth Injuries You Should Know
Finding out about an impending birth in the family is an exciting and scary time. The mom does everything she can to ensure that her little one is healthy and safe by watching what she eats and drinks.
However, when it comes time for birth, things may go amiss. While some scenarios are unavoidable, others may occur due to a mistake by medical personnel. When a New Haven birth injury is the result of a medical mishap, your baby may have challenges ahead. Become familiar with these three birth injuries so you can better identify them.
1. Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is the result of trauma that occurs during pregnancy and delivery. If a doctor fails to diagnose an infection timely, it may affect the brain, causing cerebral palsy. Other issues that may contribute to the affliction include:
- Problems with the umbilical cord
- Fetal distress
- Delayed delivery
- Improper use of birth tools
Cerebral palsy is a life-long nerve condition that may range from mild tics to total paralysis.
2. Brachial plexus
In some instances, babies do not deliver quickly. Doctors may take intervening measures to get the baby to expel from the uterus, and may inadvertently inflict harm to the baby. The shoulders of a baby are the widest part that have to pass through the birth canal. Doctors may have to perform maneuvers to dislodge them. However, some of these interventions may result in brachial plexus or nerve damage to the shoulder and arm. When this occurs, a baby may have temporary or permanent damage.
3. Brain damage
A lack of oxygen during labor and delivery may result in problems for a baby’s brain. Time is precious, and if the brain is unable to get the necessary oxygen, parts of it may become permanently damaged. This may result in short or long-term effects on a child’s development. Doctors cannot always detect brain injuries immediately, as they may not manifest until years later.
Taking care of a baby is a critical function of all parents. Understanding the risks possible when giving birth can help you stay on top of your baby’s health from day one.