Giving birth is an incredible and life-changing experience, but it can also be a traumatic one. For some parents, birth injuries can occur during the delivery process, causing both physical and emotional pain. In this blog post, we will discuss the five most commonplace types of birth injuries and provide more information about each one. These are:
- Cerebral palsy
- Brachial plexus injury
- Caput succedaneum
- Facial paralysis
- Fractures
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is caused by damage to the brain, often due to lack of oxygen during the birth process. This injury can occur when the umbilical cord becomes compressed or twisted, or when the baby's position in the birth canal causes the head to be compressed. In some cases, cerebral palsy can also be caused by medical malpractice or negligence.
Cerebral palsy can affect different parts of the body, leading to symptoms such as muscle stiffness, weakness, and tremors. It can also cause problems with vision, hearing, and speech. Treatment for cerebral palsy usually involves physical therapy, medication, and surgery.
Brachial Plexus Injury
A brachial plexus injury is an injury to the nerves that control the movement of the arms and hands. This injury can happen when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during delivery or when excessive force is used to pull the baby out of the birth canal. Brachial plexus injuries can cause symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and loss of sensation in the affected arm.
Treatment for brachial plexus injuries can include physical therapy, surgery, and medication. In some cases, the injury may heal on its own over time.
Caput Succedaneum
Caput succedaneum is a condition in which the baby's scalp swells and becomes discolored due to pressure during delivery. This injury typically occurs when the baby's head is in the birth canal for an extended period. Caput succedaneum is usually not serious and will go away on its own within a few days.
Facial Paralysis
Facial paralysis is a condition in which the baby's face becomes paralyzed due to nerve damage during delivery. This injury can occur when forceps or a vacuum extractor is used during delivery. Facial paralysis can cause problems with feeding, speech, and facial expression.
Treatment for facial paralysis may include medication, surgery, and physical therapy. In some cases, the paralysis may resolve on its own over time.
Fractures
Fractures can occur during delivery when there is excessive force used on the baby's body. The most common fractures are collarbone fractures, which can happen when the baby's shoulder gets stuck during delivery. In most cases, fractures will heal on their own within a few weeks.
In conclusion, while birth injuries are not always preventable, it is essential to understand the risks associated with childbirth. If you or your baby has suffered a birth injury, it is crucial to consult with a medical professional immediately. With the proper treatment and care, many birth injuries can be managed effectively, allowing both parent and baby to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Legal Rights After a Birth Injury
If your child has suffered a birth injury (or if you have reached the age of 18 and have a birth injury that has not been the subject of a malpractice claim) the legal team at The Doan Law Firm is here for you. You can reach a Doan Law Firm birth injury lawyer any time of the day or night by calling us at (800) 349-0000.
A nationwide law firm, you can schedule an initial consultation with a birth injury lawyer at any one of our 40 offices located from coast to coast in the United States. We can also arrange a virtual consultation with a Doan Law Firm birth injury lawyer online as well. There is never a fee charged for an initial consultation and case evaluation with a Doan Law Firm birth injury attorney.
The Doan Law Firm makes an attorney fee guarantee to you. Our firm will never charge an attorney fee unless we win your case for you.