An injury which a baby experiences during a difficult birth, e.g. brain damage.
Harm to an infant’s body or to his/her ability to function as a result of instruments used or actions taken during the birth process.
During childbirth, it is not uncommon for a baby to sustain minor injuries such as bruising and swelling of the scalp, particularly in vaginal deliveries. However, more serious injuries can occur, especially when the baby is large and encounters challenges in passing through the birth canal. In cases of breech delivery, there is a risk of nerve injury in the baby’s shoulder, which can result in temporary paralysis of the arm. Trauma to the facial nerve caused by forceps during delivery may lead to temporary facial paralysis. Fractured bones can also occur in difficult deliveries, although they typically heal easily with time. While these injuries can be distressing, medical professionals are well-equipped to address and manage them, ensuring the best possible care for the newborn.