It’s hard to think about an innocent newborn having to face adversity from day one; however, this is sadly far too common.
These birth injuries occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common ones, as well as the reasons that they take place, are described below.
FACIAL PARALYSIS
Childbirth can be a traumatic experience for both mom and baby. The use of assistive tools, such as forceps, vacuums and suction-type devices, can give way to avoidable injuries. The use of forceps during delivery often causes bruising and facial paralysis.
The facial paralysis that your baby suffers is generally only temporary. There are some rare cases in which the baby’s facial nerves have torn due to the use of forceps. There may need to be an operation to repair them.
SHOULDER DYSTOCIA OR BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURIES
There are a series of bundled nerves that run from the neck and shoulder area down the arm. A fetus’s body can become stuck in the mother’s pelvis, causing the nerves to stretch or tear. An obstetrician’s twisting of the baby in an attempt to dislodge the trapped shoulder can increase the severity of the potential injury.
Babies born with brachial plexus injuries may experience limited range of motion or a lack of functionality of their affected limb. While some babies’ bodies will self-heal without further medical intervention, some will need surgery to regain any functionality.
FRACTURES
A fetus can suffer various broken bones amidst the increase in pressure as they travel through the birth canal. Perhaps the most commonly broken bone is the collar. Babies will generally recover from this injury in a short time but may have to experience significant discomfort as they do.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO FOLLOWING A BIRTH INJURY?
If you read information about birth injuries, then you’ll learn that they are common. Just because an injury happens a lot doesn’t mean that it’s okay. Your baby is likely to have endured significant pain after suffering their injury. You’ve incurred a tremendous expense in dealing with it. You’ve endured stress in helping your child navigate the unknown as well. You deserve compensation for your expenses and unnecessary trauma.