Expecting your first baby can be exciting and nerve-wracking all at once. You wait for months, anxiously awaiting the birth of a healthy baby. Unfortunately, all of this waiting can result in significant medical issues if your baby suffers a birth injury.
Brachial palsy
If there are problems delivering your baby’s shoulder, your baby could be unable to flex and rotate their arm. This causes bruising and swelling around your baby’s nerves going toward their arms and hands. This is known as brachial palsy and the effects could last several months, although sometimes the damage is permanent.
Injuries from forceps or vacuum extraction
Sometimes, it is necessary to deliver your baby using forceps. This can cause bruising on your baby’s face or head. If your baby was delivered by vacuum extraction, they could wind up with bruises or lacerations on their scalp.
If your baby is delivered by vacuum extraction, they could also suffer caput succedaneum. This is the swelling of the soft tissues on their scalp.
If your labor or your baby’s birth is difficult, pressure on your baby’s face could lead to injuries in your baby’s facial nerves, especially if forceps are used. Facial paralysis can necessitate surgery if the nerve was torn.
Cephalohematoma
Another common birth injury is cephalohematoma. This is an area between the skull bone and its covering that bleeds following delivery. It can result in a raised bump on your baby’s head. A large cephalohematoma can lead to jaundice.
Broken bones
If you experience trouble birthing your baby’s shoulder or if your baby is born breech, your baby could suffer a fracture of their collarbone. Fractures can be painful and can limit how much your baby can move their arm and shoulder.
If your baby suffered a birth injury, you likely feel scared and frustrated. You worry about your baby’s health and future. This is an understandable concern, one of which many choose to discuss with their personal injury attorney to gain a better understanding of their legal options.