Because Your Future Matters

3 types of birth injuries that can lead to paralysis

On Behalf of | Jun 3, 2022 | Birth Injury |

Whether it is your first or fourth time, the birth of a baby is generally a very joyous experience for most parents. Unfortunately, far too many infants are born with birth injuries that can impact their entire lives. One of the unfortunate outcomes of a birth-related injury is paralysis.

Basically, birth injuries happen before, during and after the delivery process. Depending on the severity, these injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis.

Here are three common birth injuries that can result in paralysis.

Brain injuries

When the delivery process is stressful or complex, the baby may suffer from oxygen deprivation (a condition known as asphyxiation). If the infant lacks oxygen for an extended period, they may sustain serious brain damage, which can result in paralysis.

Sometimes, the umbilical cord may wrap around the infant’s neck. Left uncorrected, this too can trigger a brain injury that can lead to paralysis.

Spinal injuries

This is, perhaps, the most common cause of paralysis in infants. If the baby’s spine or neck is subjected to trauma during the delivery, such as the use of a vacuum or forceps, the baby may sustain injury to the spine resulting in paralysis. Injury to the spine can also happen if the baby is improperly handled during birth.

Infections to the mother

An infection to the mother during the pregnancy can severely impact the unborn child. An example of an infection that can result in paralysis is poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio. Also, infections like STIs (syphilis, herpes or HIV) can affect the baby’s brain development resulting in paralysis.

Infant paralysis can be devastating, more so if was avoidable. If your little one’s birth injuries are attributable to medical negligence, then you may pursue the responsible party for a birth injury lawsuit.