When parents hear the term “traumatic birth,” many assume it only refers to extreme complications during delivery, but in reality, a traumatic birth can describe a range of situations where the delivery process causes harm, either to the baby, the mother, or both. Understanding what qualifies as a traumatic birth* is important for parents who are trying to make sense of what happened during labor and delivery, and whether they want to begin a birth injury claim.
(* This blog is not meant to be taken as medical advice or a replacement for a medical diagnosis. If you suffered a traumatic birth or think you might have, you should speak with a trusted medical provider for more information.)
Defining a Traumatic Birth
A traumatic birth occurs when something goes seriously wrong during the labor or delivery process, resulting in injury. It can involve physical trauma, oxygen deprivation, or other complications that cause harm to the newborn, the mother, or both.
Two main types of trauma can occur:
- Physical trauma – Injuries caused by excessive force, misuse of delivery tools, or complications that were not properly managed.
- Oxygen-related trauma – Injuries caused by a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain or body during birth, which can lead to long-term neurological problems.
In both cases, what distinguishes a “traumatic” birth is the occurrence of a severe injury that should have been preventable. In a normal delivery experience, following the accepted standards of medical care should greatly minimize the risk of a traumatic birth.
Examples of Traumatic Birth Scenarios
Common examples of traumatic births include:
- Improper use of delivery tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors, which can fracture a baby’s skull or cause nerve damage.
- Failure to order a timely C-section despite clear signs of fetal distress, such as abnormal heart rate patterns.
- Shoulder dystocia, where the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck after the head is delivered, requiring immediate medical intervention.
- Prolonged or obstructed labor that leads to oxygen deprivation or maternal exhaustion.
- Excessive traction or pulling on the baby during delivery, causing nerve damage or broken bones.
- Mismanagement of maternal conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, which can complicate delivery.
Common Birth Injuries Linked to Traumatic Births
A traumatic birth can cause different types of harm, depending on what went wrong and how long the problem lasted. Some injuries are immediately visible, while others may not show symptoms for days, weeks, or even months.
Injuries to the baby may include:
- Brain damage from oxygen deprivation (known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or HIE).
- Cerebral palsy, which can result from a lack of oxygen or untreated infections during delivery.
- Brachial plexus injuries or Erb’s palsy, which occur when nerves in the shoulder and arm are stretched or torn.
- Fractures or dislocations, especially of the collarbone or shoulder, caused by forceful delivery techniques.
- Facial paralysis from pressure or improper use of forceps.
Injuries to the mother may include:
- Severe hemorrhage or blood loss from surgical or procedural mistakes.
- Tears or lacerations from improper delivery assistance.
- Infections due to poor sanitation or delayed treatment after birth.
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
When a Traumatic Birth May Involve Medical Negligence
A traumatic birth may be caused by medical negligence if a doctor, nurse, or hospital staff member fails to meet the accepted standard of care, contributing to or causing the trauma.
Examples of medical negligence in traumatic births include:
- Ignoring or misinterpreting signs of fetal distress.
- Failing to monitor the mother’s or baby’s vital signs during labor.
- Using excessive force or incorrect delivery techniques.
- Delaying necessary emergency procedures.
- Providing inadequate postpartum monitoring or treatment after delivery complications.
When medical negligence leads to injury or a traumatic birth, the hospital or provider may be legally responsible for the resulting harm. Such cases are typically proven through medical records, third-party expert opinions, and evidence showing how the care provided fell below professional standards.
What Parents Can Do After a Traumatic Birth
Parents who suspect that a traumatic birth caused their child’s injuries often feel uncertain about what to do next. The most important first step is to seek medical care and evaluation for the child, preferably from specialists experienced in identifying and treating birth-related injuries.
Once the child’s immediate medical needs are addressed, families should consider speaking with an attorney who handles birth injury cases. Legal professionals who focus on this area can review the circumstances, obtain medical records, consult experts, and determine whether negligence contributed to the injury.
Do You Have a Claim? Find Out Today.
A traumatic birth can leave lasting physical and emotional scars for a family. Understanding what qualifies as a traumatic birth and recognizing when it may have been caused by medical errors is the first step toward finding answers. Often, the second step is talking with a birth injury attorney.
If you believe that your child went through a traumatic birth due to a preventable mistake during delivery, see how Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. can help. Families in Rhode Island & Massachusetts trust us to provide legal insight, support, and counsel for traumatic birth injury claims. For a free confidential consultation to get started, call (401) 200-4059 at any time.