What Are the Most Common Birth Injuries?
When birth injuries occur, they range from mild to life-threatening. A doctor can easily treat some, while others could lead to lifelong medical conditions.
The most common injuries a baby sustains during birth include:
- Collarbone or clavicle fracture
- Brain damage from the restriction or disruption of oxygen
- Injury to the nerves in the neck and shoulder area, resulting in Erb’s palsy or Klumpke’s palsy
- Spinal cord injuries
- Injury to the facial nerve
- Cerebral palsy
- Perinatal asphyxia
- Bleeding under cranial bones
- Bruising or swelling of the head
Some injuries are unavoidable, but there are times when you may suspect that the injury could have been avoided if, for example, there was the improper use of forceps, failure to deliver the baby in a timely manner, or order a C-section at the appropriate time.
