Physical injuries that occur during the birthing process are generally referred to as birth injuries. The occurrence of the injuries took place during the transit taking place at the birth canal. Most born children escape injuries during birth. However, approximately seven children out of every 1000 have been reported with birth injuries. The number may seem small, but the experience is always traumatic for the affected families.
Some of the common causes of the injury include the baby size, premature birth, the baby's position during delivery, and labor complications. First-time mothers, especially those with gestational diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing birth injuries.

Birth injuries can be serious and result in long-term physical and emotional consequences. The victim's family may experience a wide range of emotions, from shock and disbelief to anger and frustration. If one is to provide the best possible care for the victim and their family, they must seek medical help as soon as possible after the birth injury occurs.

There are a variety of different types of birth injuries that can occur. Some of the more common injuries are as follows:

Caput Succedaneum Birth Injury

It is a condition in which the head of the baby falls off the birth canal during delivery. The result is always a severe swelling of the baby's scalp and a risk of infection. Babies born with vacuum extraction are likely to suffer from the infection. Although rare, vacuum extraction can be extremely dangerous to the baby. If the baby's head falls off and remains in the birth canal, it can cause severe swelling and infection. The situation may also occur if a tear occurs in the perineum, between the vagina and anus. Air can get into the baby's bloodstream and cause brain damage or death. Such scenarios may require the intervention of the law. Hence, the birth injury lawyers in Chicago are always prepared to take on such cases similar to that of medical negligence cases.

Perinatal Asphyxia

The birth injury occurs when the baby has inadequate oxygen supply during delivery. Inadequate oxygen can happen because of a problem with the umbilical cord, a blocked birth canal, or maternal health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes. If not treated, perinatal asphyxia can lead to brain damage or death in the baby. The mother may also experience shortness of breath, chest pain, and fever. If you or your baby experience these symptoms after delivery, seek medical attention immediately.

Cephalohematoma

It is a mass on the head or face of the baby that forms due to skull bleeding during delivery. The case occurs immediately after birth but gradually disappears hours later. Treatment may necessarily not be mandatory but the period before proper blood reabsorption takes place is a critical time for the baby. It is important to monitor the baby's progress and to seek medical attention if it does not disappear within a few hours or if it becomes larger or more serious. About 2% of spontaneous births have been followed by cephalohematoma.

Placental Abruption
It is a birth injury in which the placenta separates from the uterus wall before the baby is born. The case does not result in any serious consequences for the baby in most cases. However, if the baby is born with low birth weight or if there is some other problem with their health, placental abruption may contribute to those problems.

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Image 1: Image from ImagesourceImage 2: Image by UNICEF Ethiopia on Flickr