What Are the Most Common Causes of Brain Injuries During Childbirth?

 Posted on March 29, 2023 in Brain Injury

The birth of a child is supposed to be one of the most joyous occasions in life. However, for some families, it can also be a traumatic experience due to birth injuries that occur during labor and delivery. One of the most devastating injuries that can occur during birth is a brain injury. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on a child's development and quality of life, and they can potentially lead to long-lasting or permanent developmental disorders such as cerebral palsy. It is important for parents to understand the causes and risk factors associated with these injuries.

Issues That Can Increase the Risks of Brain Injuries During Labor and Delivery

There are multiple factors that may result in serious brain injuries for infants, including:

• Lack of oxygen: One of the leading causes of brain injuries during childbirth is a lack of oxygen to the baby's brain. If the umbilical cord becomes compressed, if the placenta detaches from the uterine wall, or if there are problems with the baby's breathing or heart rate, oxygen deprivation may occur, resulting in permanent brain damage.

• Premature birth: Babies who are born prematurely are at a higher risk of developing brain injuries. This is because their brains are still developing, and they may not be strong enough to handle the stress of delivery. Premature babies are also more likely to have respiratory problems, which can contribute to oxygen deprivation.

• Prolonged labor: A lengthy labor and delivery can increase the risk of brain injuries during childbirth. In some cases, fetal distress may occur, and if the mother is not properly monitored during the delivery process, medical personnel may not respond in time to prevent serious injuries. Prolonged labor or fetal distress can cause the baby's oxygen supply to be reduced, which can lead to brain damage and other complications.

• Trauma during delivery: Another common cause of brain injuries during childbirth is head trauma that may occur while a child is being delivered. This can occur if the baby is too large to pass through the birth canal or if medical instruments like forceps or vacuum extractors are misused. Head trauma can cause bleeding in the brain, skull fractures, or swelling, which can lead to permanent damage.

• Infections: Multiple types of dangerous infections may affect a child during childbirth. In some cases, these infections may lead to issues such as sepsis, meningitis, or encephalitis that can directly affect the baby's brain. An infection can also cause a fever, which can lead to oxygen deprivation if the proper treatment is not provided.

Contact Our Chicago Infant Brain Injury Lawyers

Brain injuries during childbirth can be devastating, and they can have a long-lasting impact on a family. While there are many causes and risk factors associated with these injuries, understanding them can help parents stay informed and prepared. At Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., we can help families understand the resources that are available to them following a brain injury or other injuries that took place during labor and delivery. We will work to ensure that your family can move forward successfully in this difficult situation. Contact our Illinois birth injury attorneys at 312-462-4200 to arrange a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9082121/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cerebral-palsy/causes/