Common Causes of Houston Birth Injuries

Birth injuries occur in various different ways, often due to the fault of nobody involved in the labor and delivery process. However, sometimes, medical professionals make mistakes, which can lead to complications and injuries. These mistakes can have devastating long-term consequences for the child involved and, in the worst cases, even result in death. A Houston birth injury lawyer may be able to assist if you or your child suffer preventable harm during childbirth.

Common Birth Injuries and Their Causes

Several types of birth injuries can occur, each with its own causes and potential for long-term effects. Below, we explore some of the most common birth injuries and the medical errors that can lead to them.

1. Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders, not just one, that alter a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is one of the most severe birth injuries and can lead to lifelong disability. This condition results from damage to the developing brain either before, during, or shortly after birth.

Common Causes:

• Lack of oxygen (hypoxia). If a baby does not receive enough oxygen during delivery, the brain can suffer irreversible damage. Hypoxia can occur if the umbilical cord is compressed or if there is a delay in performing a necessary cesarean section.
• Traumatic delivery. The improper use of fetal delivery devices such as forceps or vacuum extractors can cause head trauma, leading to brain damage.
• Failure to monitor fetal distress. Medical professionals are required to monitor the baby’s heart rate and other signs of distress. Failure to do so or to act swiftly when distress is detected can lead to conditions that cause cerebral palsy.

2. Brachial Plexus Injuries

Brachial plexus injuries involve damage to the network of vital nerves that sends signals from the spine to the upper extremities. This type of injury can result in weakness, loss of sensation or feeling, or loss of movement in the affected arm. An Erb’s and Klumpke’s palsy attorney in Houston may be able to assist with cases involving these types of injuries.

Common Causes:

• Excessive pulling during delivery. When a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone (shoulder dystocia), excessive pulling by the doctor can stretch or tear the brachial plexus nerves.
• Improper use of delivery tools. Forceps or vacuum extractors can cause nerve damage if used incorrectly or with excessive force.
• Breech delivery complications. During a breech delivery, improper handling can result in excessive stretching of the neck, leading to brachial plexus injuries.

3. Fractures

Fractures are one of the more common birth injuries, particularly to the clavicle or collarbone. These injuries often heal with appropriate medical care but can cause significant pain and complications if not treated properly.

Common Causes:

• Shoulder dystocia. If the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery, forceful delivery techniques can lead to fractures.
• Breech births. During breech births, the baby’s legs or arms may become twisted, leading to fractures.
• Improper delivery technique. Incorrect handling or excessive force during the birthing process can result in broken bones.

4. Facial Nerve Damage

Facial nerve damage can occur when there is pressure on a baby’s face during delivery, leading to temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles.

Common Causes:

• Forceps delivery. Improper use of forceps can put undue pressure on the baby’s face, damaging the facial nerve.
• Prolonged labor. Prolonged labor can cause excessive pressure on the baby’s face as it is pressed against the mother’s pelvis or birth canal, potentially resulting in nerve damage.
• Improper delivery technique. Poor positioning or handling of the baby during delivery can contribute to facial nerve damage.

5. Caput Succedaneum

Caput succedaneum is a condition characterized by swelling of a newborn’s scalp, often resulting from pressure during delivery. While it typically resolves on its own, severe cases or complications can lead to further issues.

Common Causes:

• Prolonged or difficult labor. Extended pressure on the baby’s head during a long or difficult delivery can lead to caput succedaneum.
• Improper use of vacuum extractors. Incorrect or excessive use of vacuum extraction tools can increase pressure on the baby’s scalp, leading to this condition.
• Premature rupture of membranes. If the water breaks too early, the baby may be exposed to increased pressure, heightening the risk of scalp swelling.

6. Intracranial Hemorrhage

Intracranial hemorrhage is bleeding within the skull, which can occur due to trauma or asphyxia during birth. It is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention and can have long-term effects on a child’s development.

Common Causes:

• Traumatic delivery. The use of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause trauma to a newborn’s head, leading to bleeding in the brain.
• Oxygen deprivation. Prolonged lack of oxygen during delivery can weaken blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of hemorrhage.
• Improper management of preterm birth. Premature babies have more fragile blood vessels, and improper handling or delivery can lead to bleeding in the brain.