By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    healthcare cybersecurity
    4 Helpful Tips on How to Protect Your Medical Practice Against Cyber Attacks
    October 24, 2021
    Health Check Diagnosis Medical Condition Analysis Concept
    6 Health Woes With Online Remedies
    January 19, 2022
    Eight Things Men Should Know About the Male Menopause
    Eight Things Men Should Know About the Male Menopause
    April 24, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    healthy nursing school habits
    Healthy Habits for Nursing Student Nursing School Students
    May 24, 2024
    High Deductables
    High-Deductible Insurance and Rising Bad Debt
    July 24, 2015
    How People Are Taking Advantage of Health Deals in the Recent Recession
    February 5, 2021
    Latest News
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
    Strengthening Healthcare Systems Through Clinical and Administrative Career Development
    June 13, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: The Most Common Birth Injuries In Newborns
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Specialties > The Most Common Birth Injuries In Newborns
Specialties

The Most Common Birth Injuries In Newborns

Diana Hope
Last updated: July 20, 2020 5:43 pm
Diana Hope
Share
7 Min Read
SHARE

Childbirth is a complex process that poses injury risks to the infant. Sometimes the trauma is unavoidable, but in most cases, injuries are the result of negligence on the doctor’s part. Also, some injuries are treatable through simple medical procedures or alternative and complementary medicine, while others are not. Below are some of the most common childbirth injuries to watch out for:

Contents
Bone fracturesBrachial plexus injuriesCerebral palsyCaput SuccedaneumBirth asphyxiaHypoglycemiaFacial paralysisDystoniaSubconjunctival hemorrhageConclusion

Bone fractures

Due to the narrowness of the birth canal, babies endure a lot of pressure during birth. This pressure can lead to fractures, with the collarbone and the thigh-bone being among the most affected parts. A bone fracture can also occur after birth due to the careless handling of the baby. If that happens in the hands of the doctor or nurse, the baby’s family may be eligible for a medical malpractice claim against the responsible medical professional.

Brachial plexus injuries

Brachial plexus injuries affect a group of nerves located in the neck. The injury occurs when the head and shoulders are pulled apart forcefully or when too much pressure is applied on the neck or shoulder region.

Brachial plexus nerve injuries can affect people of all ages, but newborns are most affected because, occasionally, babies get stuck in the birth canal during birth. This is known as shoulder dystocia.

More Read

pain management tips
Alternatives to Pain Management
Interest Groups: Hurtling Us Down the Road to Ruin
Seniors and Shingles: Myth vs Fact
Spine Surgery: Fusion, Fixation and Motion Preservation
Customer Service Portal for Medical Equipment Saves Time and Work

Consider filing a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for any brachial plexus injuries you feel were caused by doctor negligence. Reputable forensic economists such as The Knowles Group will help you maximize your compensation.

Cerebral palsy

If the brain of the baby is damaged during birth, it may lead to cerebral palsy. Common causes of brain damage include improper birth methods, failure to monitor fetal distress, and failure to offer the mother sufficient care during labor.

When children develop this condition, they become prone to motor development abnormalities, muscle weakness, and muscle spasms.

Caput Succedaneum

Caput Succedaneum is a condition characterized by the swelling of the soft tissues in a baby’s scalp. It occurs when a vacuum extraction tool is misapplied during birth. Babies with this condition often sustain swollenness in the face and show signs of discomfort.

Birth asphyxia

Birth asphyxia occurs when there is insufficient blood or oxygen to a baby’s brain during birth. In the absence of nutrients and oxygen, cells cannot function properly. Acids and other waste products accumulate as a result, causing temporary or permanent cell damage. The degree of harm may depend on factors such as the level of oxygen and how quickly treatment is administered.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs when the baby’s glucose or blood sugar level is lower than normal. A significant reduction in glucose levels can lead to permanent brain damage and result in serious developmental issues.

Hypoglycemia affects infants because when babies are born, they are handed the role of producing their own glucose as the supply from the mother is cut. Some babies have fewer blood sugar reserves, and attaining healthy levels may take some time.

Facial paralysis

Some newborns sustain damage to the seventh cranial nerve (facial nerve), causing them to lose the ability to control their facial muscles. The most common culprit behind this is the exertion of too much pressure on the child’s face during birth. Doctors often attribute this to incorrect use of forceps, the baby being too large, and prolonged labor.

The severity of facial paralysis can be anything between specific muscle weakness and a total inability to move the face. Regardless of the cause and severity, there is a chance that your child will recover in a short time. Make sure to see a pediatrician as soon as you notice signs of facial paralysis to determine the cause of the condition and devise a treatment plan for your baby.

Dystonia

Dystonia is a condition typified by abnormal postures and involuntary muscle movements. Infants face different forms of dystonia, from the kind that affects only one muscle to those affecting groups of muscles or the entire body.

Infant dystonia can be a product of genetics or a birth injury that alters the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain. Birth injury-induced dystonia is known as acquired dystonia; its severity varies from child to child, and successful treatment is possible if medical attention is sought on time.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage

When a baby has a subconjunctival hemorrhage, they will have red discolorations in their eyeballs. The condition may seem terrifying at first, but it will most likely go away after a week or two.

Causes of subconjunctival hemorrhage include:

  • Fetal distress: Fetal distress can arise from asphyxiation, bruising, physical injury, post-term labor, or premature labor.
  • Difficult delivery: When a delivery lasts for more than 18 hours, the baby experiences extreme pressure along the birth canal and may sustain injuries, including subconjunctival hemorrhage.
  • Asphyxia: Asphyxia happens when the baby doesn’t receive sufficient oxygen during birth.

Conclusion

Learning that your newborn baby has sustained an injury is one of the scariest things a parent can hear. Luckily, you can lower the risk of this by visiting or taking your loved one to a reputable birth center. Alternative medicines during pregnancy may also help boost your baby’s health and prevent injuries during birth.

TAGGED:birth injuriesnewbornnewborns
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025
recovering from injury
Rebuilding After Injury: Path to Physical and Emotional Recovery
News
June 22, 2025
scientist using microscope
When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
Global Healthcare
June 18, 2025

You Might also Like

Poor Senior Oral Health: Why It Happens

September 18, 2012
6 Reasons You Should Visit An Orthodontist
Dental healthSpecialties

6 Reasons You Should Visit An Orthodontist

September 4, 2022

Alzheimer’s Drug Development: An Avant-Garde Approach

August 15, 2013
SpecialtiesWellness

What Is The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test And Why Do You Need It?

August 23, 2018
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?