What Is Birth Trauma?
Birth trauma refers to physical injuries sustained by a newborn during the process of labor and delivery. While some minor injuries are expected and resolve on their own, others are serious, long-lasting, and in some cases, entirely preventable. Understanding what birth trauma is—and what causes it—can help families recognize the signs early and seek help when needed.
At Van Wey & Metzler, we’ve helped countless families navigate the devastating aftermath of preventable birth injuries. We know the difference between a tragic accident and a medical error. And we’re here to hold healthcare providers accountable when avoidable trauma causes a lifetime of consequences.
Types of Birth Trauma
Birth trauma encompasses a wide range of physical injuries that may occur during vaginal or cesarean deliveries. Common types include:
Brachial Plexus Injuries
These injuries occur when the group of nerves that control movement and sensation in the arm (the brachial plexus) are stretched, compressed, or torn. Often the result of shoulder dystocia, they can cause weakness, loss of function, or even permanent paralysis in one arm.
Fractures
Clavicle fractures are the most common type of broken bone during delivery. While many heal with minimal intervention, fractures may indicate the use of excessive force or mishandling during delivery.
Intracranial Hemorrhages
Bleeding within the baby’s brain can occur due to prolonged labor, the use of forceps or vacuum extractors, or oxygen deprivation. These injuries can lead to long-term neurological damage or developmental delays.
Facial Nerve Injuries
Improper use of delivery instruments or pressure during birth can injure the facial nerve, resulting in muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the baby’s face.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Though rare, spinal cord damage can result from hyperextension or rotation of the infant’s neck during delivery. These injuries are almost always severe and can cause permanent paralysis.
What Causes Birth Trauma?
Many birth injuries are linked to difficult or prolonged deliveries. Risk factors for birth trauma include:
- Large birth weight (macrosomia)
- Premature birth
- Abnormal fetal position (e.g., breech or transverse)
- Use of delivery-assisting tools (forceps or vacuum extractors)
- Prolonged second stage of labor
- Cephalopelvic disproportion (baby’s head is too large for the birth canal)
But a high-risk delivery doesn’t automatically mean a traumatic outcome. That’s where medical decision-making comes into play.
When Birth Trauma Is Caused by Negligence
Not every injury is the result of negligence. But when healthcare professionals fail to meet the standard of care—by ignoring warning signs, delaying emergency intervention, or misusing delivery tools—the consequences can be life-altering.
Examples of medical negligence that may lead to birth trauma include:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Delay in performing a C-section
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractor
- Inadequate response to complications like shoulder dystocia
- Failure to diagnose and manage preeclampsia or infection
In many cases, the trauma sustained at birth could have been prevented entirely if appropriate action had been taken at the right time.
The Long-Term Effects of Birth Trauma
Some birth injuries are temporary, healing with rest or minor interventions. Others, however, may result in permanent damage—especially if the injury involves the brain or nervous system. Long-term effects can include:
Cerebral palsy
Erb’s palsy or Klumpke’s palsy
Developmental delays
Seizure disorders
Feeding and breathing difficulties
Motor skill dysfunction
These conditions often require years—or a lifetime—of specialized care, including physical and occupational therapy, adaptive equipment, and medical monitoring.
Diagnosing Birth Trauma
Signs of birth trauma may be obvious at birth or take months to become apparent. Immediate symptoms can include:
- Weak or limp limbs
- Favoring one side of the body
- Difficulty feeding or latching
- Seizures or irregular breathing
- Abnormal muscle tone (too floppy or too stiff)
In other cases, developmental delays may be the first indicator that something went wrong during delivery. If your child is missing milestones or exhibiting unusual movements or behavior, you may want to ask whether a birth injury is the cause.
What To Do If You Suspect Birth Trauma
If your child is showing signs of a birth injury, trust your instincts. Request copies of your medical records. Seek second opinions from pediatric specialists. And speak to a qualified medical malpractice attorney who can help you determine whether your child’s injury was preventable.
At Van Wey & Metzler, we take a comprehensive approach to investigating birth trauma cases. We work with medical experts, review the full timeline of care, and identify whether protocols were missed or delayed. If negligence occurred, we pursue justice with relentless focus and compassion.
Why Birth Trauma Cases Matter
Pursuing a legal claim isn’t just about compensation—it’s about securing your child’s future. It’s about funding the therapies, equipment, and education your child will need to thrive. And it’s about making sure hospitals and healthcare providers are held to the highest standard, so fewer families suffer the same fate.
We believe your story matters. If your family has been affected by birth trauma, contact us today. Your consultation is free, confidential, and handled with the compassion and honesty you deserve.
