Birth-Related Head Trauma: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Birth-related head trauma is any injury to a baby’s head that occurs during the labor and delivery process. These can be minor injuries, such as superficial bruising, or more severe conditions, like skull fractures or intracranial hemorrhages. In some cases, emergencies can lead to unavoidable injuries. In others, birth-related head trauma can result from medical malpractice.

Causes of Birth-Related Head Trauma

Many unpredictable circumstances can lead to a baby suffering birth-related head trauma. However, several factors are known to increase the risk of trauma and injury to a baby during labor and delivery:

• Prolonged Labor. Extended labor can increase the risk of head trauma since the baby is subjected to prolonged pressure in the birth canal.

• Use of Instruments. Using instruments like forceps or vacuum extractors can sometimes lead to head injuries. While these tools are often necessary to assist in delivery, they can cause bruising, lacerations, or more severe trauma if not used properly.

• Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD). This condition occurs when the baby’s head or body is too large to pass through the mother’s pelvis, increasing the risk of trauma during delivery.

• Abnormal Fetal Positions. Breech births (where the baby’s head is facing upward) or other abnormal fetal positions can complicate delivery and heighten the risk of head injuries.

• Premature Birth. Premature infants have more delicate and fragile skulls, making them more susceptible to injury and head trauma.

Developing a birth plan that mitigates known risks can help reduce the chances of injuries to both a mother and her child.

Symptoms of Birth-Related Head Trauma

Recognizing the signs of head trauma in newborns is essential because prompt treatment can help reduce the severity of the injuries. Symptoms may include:

• Swelling or Bruising. Visible swelling or bruising on the scalp can indicate trauma. Conditions like caput succedaneum (swelling of the soft tissues of the scalp) or cephalohematoma (bleeding between the skull and brain) can range in severity.

• Lethargy or Irritability. Changes in behavior, such as excessive sleepiness or unusual irritability, can be signs of underlying injury.

• Feeding Difficulties. Trouble with sucking or feeding can indicate neurological issues resulting from head trauma.

• Seizures. Seizures or unusual movements may indicate serious brain injuries.

• Bulging Fontanelle. Bulging in one of the soft spots on the baby’s head can signal increased intracranial pressure due to bleeding or swelling.

Various factors contribute to the severity of these injuries, including the mode of delivery, the baby’s position, and any underlying medical conditions. If you observe any of these symptoms in your child, contact your doctor immediately.

Diagnosis and Treatment

In addition to a physical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI may be used to diagnose and assess the extent of a birth-related head injury. Treatment depends on the trauma’s severity.

Superficial bruises and mild swelling often resolve on their own without intervention. Conditions like cephalohematoma may require monitoring and drainage if they do not resolve naturally. Regular check-ins with your physician are helpful to determine whether your baby is recovering well or needs additional care.

More severe injuries, such as skull fractures or intracranial hemorrhages, can require surgical intervention and intensive follow-up care. Severe damage to the brain or nerves can cause permanent impairment, disability, or death. Babies with severe birth-related head injuries can suffer cognitive delays, sensory deficiencies, and impaired motor control.  

Preventing Birth-Related Head Trauma

Many birth-related head injuries can be prevented using a combination of careful prenatal care and informed delivery practices:

• Regular Prenatal Checkups. Regular monitoring during pregnancy can help a woman’s care team identify potential complications early and allow the mother’s care team to plan accordingly.

• Appropriate Use of Delivery Instruments. Using forceps and vacuum extractors correctly and only when necessary can reduce the risk of trauma.

• Planned Cesarean Delivery. In cases of known cephalopelvic disproportion or abnormal fetal positions, opting for a scheduled cesarean section may be advisable to prevent the complications associated with vaginal delivery or an emergency procedure.

• Skilled Healthcare Providers. Having experienced and skilled medical professionals oversee the delivery process in a well-equipped medical facility can significantly minimize the risk of labor and delivery complications. It also allows for a quick, appropriate response if problems arise.

• Education and Preparation. Educating expectant parents about the potential risks and signs of birth-related head trauma can lead to quicker recognition and treatment, improving outcomes for affected infants.

Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and employing preventive measures are vital to ensuring the health and safety of both mother and child during the birthing process.

Birth-Related Head Trauma Due to Medical Negligence

Injuries to your child during the birth process can indicate medical negligence. Talking to an experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you understand whether you may have grounds to file a lawsuit or take other action to recover compensation and justice for your child.