Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a brain injury from the brain not receiving enough oxygen before or shortly after birth. Spinal cord injuries occurring from overstretching during labor and delivery are rare. Most brachial plexus injuries are stretch injuries and improve without treatment or with physical therapy. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves between the neck and shoulder that provide sensation and muscle control in the fingers, hand, arm, and shoulder.Ī brachial plexus injury can happen when the baby is in a breech position, weighs more than 8 pounds 13 ounces, or during an assisted delivery. It may also occur when health professionals use forceps to help with delivery.īrachial plexus injuries occur in up to 2.5 in 1,000 live births. Pressure on the newborn’s face from labor or delivery may injure the facial nerves. For example, a complicated birth may injure the facial nerve, the brachial plexus, or the spinal cord.įacial nerve injuries are the most common nerve injury associated with a traumatic birth, occurring in around 10 in 1,000 live births. Some newborns can experience nerve damage from delivery. Other fractures, such as femur and rib fractures, may occur but are rare. The humerus - the upper arm bone - is the second most fractured bone associated with newborn delivery. Fracturesīones may fracture before or during delivery.Ĭlavicle fractures are the most common, occurring in up to 15 in 1,000 live births. It presents as a bulge on the scalp but gradually resolves. It is typically harmless and happens in 0.4–2.5% of all live births. This trauma to the head causes fluid to accumulate between the protective covering of the skull and the scalp, leading to swelling that generally resolves within 48 hours.Ĭephalohematoma is when the force on the skull and scalp during delivery causes blood vessels to rupture, resulting in blood pools in the space under the newborn’s scalp. Even when fully dilated for delivery, the cervix and vaginal canal can squeeze and pull the newborn’s head. Shortly after birth, newborns may have scalp swelling called caput succedaneum. Trauma from passing through the birth canal and contact with the pelvic bones and tissues typically cause this bruising.įorceps use in delivery may leave temporary marks on the newborn’s face and head, and delivery by vacuum extraction can cause scalp bruising or cuts. Some newborns may have minor injuries during delivery and show signs of bruising on the face or scalp. Newborn birth injuries may include the following: Bruising and swelling of the scalp Although cesarean delivery may injure some newborns, the incidence is 60% lower than vaginal delivery. However, people may experience prolapse without giving birth or when they have had a cesarean delivery.Ī 2018 study reported that some degree of newborn birth injury is common during delivery, but severe birth trauma is rare. If the muscles and tissues become weak or damaged, they can no longer support these organs, causing one or more of them to drop into or out of the vagina.Ī 2021 systematic review confirmed a strong link between vaginal birth and pelvic organ prolapse. The muscles and tissues in the pelvis support the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Learn more about pelvic floor dysfunction.

This occurs when there is weakening or injury to the pelvic muscles and connective tissue, which may result in issues with bladder and bowel control. Vaginal delivery is associated with pelvic floor disorders. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissue that support the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, bowel, and internal reproductive organs. Some people also experience pudendal neuralgia, which causes severe pain along the nerve pathway. Injuries may cause sensation loss, urinary and fecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. Due to its location, this nerve is vulnerable to stretch injuries during childbirth. The pudendal nerve is a significant nerve in the pelvic region that sends motor and sensation information to the brain. Learn about the types and the treatment of perineal tears. Around 4–11% of individuals experience severe tearing. It involves a tear or surgical cut to the area between the vaginal opening and the anus.Īpproximately 53–89% of people experience some tearing during delivery. Perineal trauma is relatively common during childbirth. Injuries to the birthing parent typically involve damage to the perineal area or pelvic floor.

Signs of developmental trauma in adults