Birth injuries

Abstract:

Injuries during childbirth are generally caused by mechanical forces, along with hypoxia and ischemia of vital organs. Risk factors include cephalopelvic disproportion, delivery of premature and hypertrophic newborns, malposition of the fetus (breech position or transverse position), long-term or sudden deliveries and application of obstetric instruments (vacuum extraction and forceps). Injuries may be minor, such as hematoma, excoriation and lacerations of the skin, or more severe, such as bone fractures. Injuries of the central and peripheral nervous system are the most serious injuries and very often lead to irreversible effects on child development. Early identification of risk factors and timely intervention, can not only alleviate the injury, but also prevent it. 

Key words:
birth injuries; cephalopelvic disproportion; cerebral palsy; newborn