Birth trauma
Birth Trauma
Birth trauma (pronounced: /bɜːrθ ˈtrɔːmə/) refers to physical injuries sustained by a newborn during the process of childbirth. The term can also refer to psychological damage experienced by a child or mother during delivery.
Etymology
The term "birth trauma" originates from the Latin words "birth" meaning "to bear or bring forth" and "trauma" from the Greek "τραῦμα" meaning "wound".
Causes
Birth trauma can be caused by various factors including:
- Forceps delivery or vacuum extraction: These are methods used to assist in the delivery of a baby, which can sometimes result in physical injury.
- Prolonged labor: This can cause stress and physical harm to both the mother and baby.
- Cephalopelvic disproportion: This is when the baby's head or body is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis.
- Breech birth: This is when the baby is positioned to be delivered feet-first instead of head-first, which can cause complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of birth trauma can vary depending on the nature and severity of the injury. They may include:
- Bruising or swelling on the head or face
- Fractures to the clavicle or long bones
- Nerve damage resulting in weakness or paralysis
- Intracranial hemorrhage, or bleeding in the brain
Treatment
Treatment for birth trauma depends on the type and severity of the injury. It may involve:
- Physical therapy for injuries such as fractures or nerve damage
- Surgery in severe cases, such as intracranial hemorrhage
- Psychological therapy for dealing with the emotional impact of birth trauma
Related Terms
- Obstetric violence: This refers to abuse women may experience during childbirth.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event, such as a difficult childbirth.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Birth trauma
- Wikipedia's article - Birth trauma
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