Giving birth is one of the most miraculous things a woman can do. But unfortunately, sometimes things can go wrong, and newborns can suffer injuries. There are many causes of birth injuries in newborns, some more common than others.
Shoulder Dystocia
This is when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone during delivery. Shoulder dystocia can lead to several different injuries, including nerve damage and broken bones.
Shoulder dystocia is one of the newborns’ most common causes of birth injuries. It usually happens when the baby is large, or the mother has a small pelvis. However, shoulder dystocia can also be caused by other factors, such as epidural anesthesia or prolonged labor.
If you think your child may have shoulder dystocia, it’s essential to read up on the topic on childbirthinjuries.com and seek medical help immediately. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the condition but may include things like traction or delivery by cesarean section. Shoulder dystocia is a serious condition that can cause lifelong complications, so it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms.
Prematurity And Low Birth Weight
Birth injuries are more common in premature babies and those with low birth weights. This is because their bodies are not as developed as full-term babies, and they may not be able to handle the stress of labor and delivery.
Premature babies are also at risk for an intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and bleeding in the brain. This can cause serious problems, including seizures, developmental delays, and even death.
Low birth weight babies may also suffer from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a condition that makes it hard for them to breathe. RDS can lead to pneumonia and other serious health problems.
If you are pregnant, it is essential to get regular prenatal care to help reduce the risk of having a premature or low birth weight baby.
Maternal Infections
Maternal infections are another common cause of birth injuries in newborns. These infections can be passed to the baby during pregnancy and cause various problems, including cerebral palsy, sepsis, and meningitis. Infections can also lead to premature labor and delivery, putting the baby at risk for complications.
Some maternal infections that can cause birth injuries to include:
-Bacterial vaginosis
-Cytomegalovirus
-E. coli
-Group B strep
-Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
-HIV
-Listeria monocytogenes
-Syphilis
Prolonged Labor
Prolonged labor is one of the main causes of birth injuries in newborns. When a baby is in the womb, they are constantly moving. This movement helps to keep their muscles and bones strong. However, if labor is prolonged, the baby can become weak, and its bones can start to break down.
Prolonged labor can also cause the baby to become dehydrated, and their brain tissue can start to die. If not treated immediately, this can lead to severe problems such as cerebral palsy or even death.
There are many different causes of birth injuries in newborns. Some of the most common include shoulder dystocia, prematurity, low birth weight, maternal infections, and prolonged labor. If you think your child may have a birth injury, it’s essential to seek medical help right away. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the condition, but early intervention is vital to help prevent long-term complications.