Birth trauma refers to any type of injury to the infant during the birthing process. While most babies emerge from delivery safe and healthy, birth trauma unfortunately does occur in some cases. Understanding the potential causes can help mothers and medical staff take precautions and proper care to avoid these outcomes when possible. This article will explore some of the most frequent sources of birth trauma.
Poor Foetal Positioning
One prevalent cause of trauma is poor foetal positioning as labour begins. Ideally, the baby should be oriented head down, facing the mother’s back. Any other presentation makes delivery more difficult and increases risks to the infant. Common abnormal positions include breech (buttocks or feet first), transverse lie (lying sideways), and face or brow presentation. These may result from prematurity, low amniotic fluid, placenta previa, or other factors. Attempting vaginal delivery with a mal-positioned baby raises the chances of oxygen deprivation, fractures, nerve damage, and other harm. Most providers will recommend a C-section if the foetus does not rotate into the proper head-down posture prior to active labour.
Prolonged/Arrested Labour
Another frequent cause of birth injury is when labour stalls or drags on too long. Normal active labour lasts around 8-12 hours for first-time mothers, and 5-10 hours in subsequent deliveries. Labour is considered “arrested” if dilation stops for several hours, or “prolonged” if it persists for over 12-24 hours without the baby emerging. The excessively long compression of the infant in the birth canal can result in brain bleeds, hypoxia, bruising, and more. Doctors may attempt interventions like Pitocin to accelerate stalled labour. However, a C-section is often necessary if labour does not progress.
Inadequate Umbilical Cord Support
The umbilical cord is the baby’s lifeline during labour and delivery, providing oxygenation from the placenta. Excess cord tension or compression can cut off blood flow and air supply to the infant. Prolapse, knotting, or wrapping the cord around the neck are all problematic. Wharton’s jelly helps cushion and protect the cord, but structural issues like thin cords, abnormal inserts, and velamentous cords reduce that padding. Providers must take care to leave adequate cord slack, adjust infant positioning, and resolve cord issues immediately. This prevents hypoxia, neurological damage, and demise.
Trauma During C-Section
While a Caesarean delivery may prevent certain birth canal injuries, the surgical procedure does carry its own trauma risks. Hasty incisions can lacerate the infant if close to the uterus. Opening the uterus risks gas embolism or amniotic fluid inhalation. Surgical instruments can inadvertently harm the foetus. Uterine rupture with labour after a prior C-section can severely injure the baby. Impatience, inadequate skill, and complications during surgery all raise the chances of iatrogenic (caused by medical treatment) harm. Paediatricians should be present at high-risk caesareans in case immediate newborn resuscitation is required.
Medical Negligence
Rarely, birth trauma arises from provider negligence. This could involve inappropriate use of vacuum or forceps causing bruising or fractures. Failure to respond promptly to signs of foetal distress can also result in avoidable injury. Delayed emergency C-section when clearly indicated can deprive the baby of needed oxygen. Dropped or mishandled infants may sustain fractures or head trauma. While birth carries innate risks, providers must exercise an appropriate standard of care to avoid preventable harmful errors. If medical negligence during labour and delivery appears to have caused birth trauma, consulting a solicitor such as P.A. Duffy & Co. Solicitors may be worthwhile.
While most childbirths are joyful, safe events, birth trauma can and does occur in some births. Understanding the potential hazards allows families and medical teams to take suitable precautions for a smoother, less traumatic delivery when feasible.
