Mistakes during the birth process can cause nerve damage, resulting in lifelong effects. Nerve injuries during delivery can cause a child to suffer a loss of function in the related body part. Hence, medical care providers should do their best to ensure that a newborn’s nerves are not severed, compressed, or bruised during the birthing process. 

In the event of any nerve damage, parents need to learn the cause, as awareness can help in determining the next course of action. Let’s discuss some common factors that can lead to nerve injuries in your newborn. 

Difficult or Prolonged Labor

Some women find it extremely difficult to give birth to a child, as it takes hours or days for their cervix to dilate fully. In such situations, your baby may push against your pelvis while your uterus contracts. The force of contractions can put pressure on certain nerves, compressing them. 

For example, pressure on the baby’s chest or neck can damage the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm. As a result, the newborn will find it difficult to breathe. Without timely and proper intervention, the child may die. Sometimes, even mothers die during childbirth when labor extends.

Improper Use of Delivery Tools

When labor fails to progress accordingly or the mother has lost the strength to push, doctors often intervene. They use assisted delivery tools like vacuum extractors and forceps to pull the baby out. While the motive is to help, poor handling techniques can cause greater damage. 

A doctor may mistakenly apply more force than is necessary or pull roughly, thereby stretching a nerve. Such actions may affect the nerves controlling the neck and shoulders, resulting in Erb’s palsy. In such a case where medical negligence is involved, an attorney can help you file a Erb’s palsy lawsuit and gain fair compensation to provide funds for treatment. 

Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystopia is a condition where the baby’s shoulders get stuck after the head is out of the vaginal canal. Since the shoulder is trapped, obstetric teams need to use special techniques to deliver the child. 

While attempting to pull the child out, high amounts of traction can affect nerves around the face, neck, shoulders, and arm. It’s important for mothers who suffered this complication in delivery to watch out for signs of nerve damage after birth. With early diagnosis, specialists can begin quick nerve regeneration treatment to prevent disability.

Birth Canal and Baby Size Mismatch

The vaginal anatomy of each lady differs. One person may have a large pelvic opening while another’s is smaller. If your pelvic opening is relatively small and your baby is large, there will be extra compression and stretching during the expulsion phase. While clinicians can check a baby’s size before the due date, extra caution and skilled handling are needed to navigate this situation without nerve damage or other complications. 

Breech Birth

Babies in the breech position have their feet facing the birth canal. This position increases the likelihood of nerves being compressed, stretched, or torn when doctors attempt to perform clinical maneuvers. 

Since breech deliveries are dangerous, medical professionals often attempt to reposition or rotate the child, putting pressure on nerve locations. To avoid injuries to the child, doctors often recommend a Cesarean Section in such situations.

Endnote

Nerve damage during childbirth can affect a newborn’s ability to move, grasp, or feel sensations in the affected part. To enable proper treatment, parents need to determine the cause of the injury. Common causes include difficult labor, wrong use of delivery tools, shoulder dystocia, size mismatch, and breech birth.