The birth of a child is meant to be a joyful occasion, but complications can sometimes occur, resulting in injuries to the baby. As worrying as this may be, many birth injuries are minor and heal quickly with proper treatment. This guide works at revealing common birth injuries, what signs to look out for, and when to seek medical care if you suspect your baby has suffered an injury during delivery.
With information and vigilance, you can rest assured of knowing how to care for your newborn.
Table of Contents
Cephalohematoma – Bruising and Swelling on Baby’s Head
A cephalohematoma is a blood collection underneath the scalp, causing a bump or swelling on your baby’s head. While alarming, they are harmless and resolve within 1-2 months as the blood reabsorbs. Signs to monitor include increased swelling, redness, warmth or tenderness, which may indicate infection warranting medical care.
Facial Bruising and Forceps Marks
It is very common for babies to exhibit some facial bruising and discolouration on the head or face after birth from pressure in the birth canal. Forceps may also sometimes leave temporary marks or slight cuts on the scalp. However, extensive bruising, swelling and lacerations should be evaluated.
Seek care promptly if airway problems develop due to facial swelling. Likewise, signs of skull fracture, such as a sunken area on the scalp above the forceps, seizures or clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears, warrant an urgent trip to the local Hospital.
Broken Collarbone
Collarbone (or clavicular) fractures occur in about 1% of babies during labour when shoulders get stuck on the way out, putting excessive strain on the clavicle. Signs include swollenness or deformity over the clavicle, pain, and decreased arm movements on the affected side.
The break usually heals well within three weeks with Coban wrapping and pain control. See your paediatrician promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
Brachial plexus injuries happen when nerves between the spine and shoulder are overstretched, causing arm weakness, lack of mobility, and muscle dysfunction. Mild cases with only bruising of the nerves heal quickly with therapy. More serious cases require specialist care and sometimes surgery, which are crucial for restoring limb function.
Monitoring milestones like arm movement or grasping is key. Seek evaluation if you notice your baby not moving one side properly, or they favor one arm within the first two months. Early therapy greatly improves outcomes.
Seek Prompt Care for Any Birth Injuries
While many birth injuries resolve themselves, medical care is vital for any worrisome symptoms like trouble breathing, seizures or limited limb use. Early nerve damage therapy yields the best prognosis, too. Discuss abnormalities with your pediatrician or GP.
Seeking Legal Support
If your child suffers a serious birth injury due to medical negligence, consider seeking legal advice from medical solicitors specializing in birth trauma; this will help you navigate the complexities of the situation .They can advise if you have grounds for a claim to help secure funds for ongoing treatments.
As intense and stressful as childbirth can be, it may result in some bumps and bruises for your baby. Yet with knowing what to look for, when to worry and seeking prompt care, you can rest easy caring for your precious newborn and get back to enjoying those sweet baby snuggles.
