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Common Birth Injuries in Florida
During the birthing process, babies may suffer minor to severe injuries based on several different factors. The most common birth injuries include:
- Brachial palsy: When a nerve in the shoulder is damaged, the baby can lose the ability to move their hand or arm. This can heal or be permanent, depending on the severity of the damage to the nerve.
- Bruising or forceps marks: When forceps are used, they can leave bruises or marks on the baby’s face or head. In severe cases, forceps can cause damage to the brain and skull.
- Caput succedaneum: Caput succedaneum is the swelling of the soft tissues in a baby’s scalp. The swelling often goes away within a few days without any issues. Babies delivered using vacuum extraction are more likely to have this condition.
- Facial paralysis: If there’s damage to the baby’s facial nerve during birth, they won’t be able to move one side of their face. This condition can be minor or permanent, depending on the severity of the damage to the nerve. If the nerve was torn, surgery might be necessary.
- Fractures: Fractures are incredibly common during birth, especially to the baby’s shoulders or clavicle. Fractures are painful, and the baby won’t be able to move their arm for a week or two. Thankfully, healing is quick.
- Hypoxia: When the baby is stuck in the birth canal for too long, it can cut off the oxygen to the baby’s brain, causing severe brain damage. Hypoxia can also cause Cerebral or Erb’s palsy.
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