Other Types of Birth Injuries

Bruising / Forceps Marks

While some bruising on baby's face and head is normal due to the stress of passing through the birth canal, some bruises are caused by forceps or vacuum extraction.

Caput Succedaneum

More common in babies delivered by vacuum birthing, the soft tissues of the scalp become severely swollen. In most cases, the swelling subsides within a few days of birth.

Cephalohematoma

Bleeding underneath one of the cranial bones causes a lump on the baby's head that may take up to three months to completely heal. In most cases, the area of bleeding is small and will recede in two weeks, but if the lump is large, the baby may develop jaundice as the red blood cells break down.

Facial Paralysis

The facial nerve may be injured during birth by the pressure of the birth canal or by forceps delivery. Injury is evident when there is no movement on the side of the face when the baby cries or when the eye cannot be completely shut. Bruising this nerve causes only temporary paralysis of the face, but if the nerve is torn, surgery is often required.

Fractures

The clavicle, or collarbone, is most vulnerable to fractures during birth, especially in cases of breech delivery or shoulder dystocia. The baby cannot move the arm on the side of the break, but immobilization of the arm and shoulder usually results in a quick recovery.

Suconjunctival Hemorrhage

Small blood vessels in the eyes can break causing a red band around the iris of one or both eyes, but the redness usually fades in a week's time without causing permanent damage to the eyes.

Umbilical Cord Entrapment

When the umbilical cord is looped around the neck of the baby, oxygen deprivation may occur and cause brain injuries if proper and immediate care is not taken.

Abrupted Placenta

Urgent care must be taken when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus. Once symptoms such as bleeding, cramping and abdominal pain occur, the medical personnel must act quickly to prevent injury.

Fetal Distress

When the fetus is in breach position, has an irregular heart beat or has umbilical cord misplacement, there is a possibility that oxygen is not getting to the brain which can result in severe complications or brain damage.

Skin Irritations

Infections are prone to newborns, especially pre-mature babies, and both mother and baby need to be protected during childbirth.

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420 Lexington Avenue
Suite 2750
New York, NY 10170

Telephone: 212-986-7353
Fax: 212-953-4308
E-mail: wrs@wrslaw.com