When you first hold your baby, you may notice some swelling on the head, redness on the face, or that the baby moves one arm less than the other. At first, this can be frightening for parents.
However, there is an important point to remember: birth is a significant physical event for a baby’s body. As the baby passes through the birth canal, some pressure is placed on the head and body. In some cases, this can result in temporary swelling, bruising, or, less commonly, more serious injuries.
The good news is that many minor injuries that occur during birth heal on their own and do not require specific treatment.
What is a birth injury?
A birth injury is an injury that occurs to a baby as a result of mechanical forces during the process of birth.
These injuries can involve the head, skin and soft tissues, nerves, or bones. Sometimes they are caused by pressure during labor and delivery. A difficult or prolonged delivery, the baby’s position, and the use of assisted delivery methods such as vacuum extraction or forceps may increase the risk of certain injuries.
This does not mean that every difficult delivery will result in an injury. Some birth injuries can also occur during an otherwise normal vaginal delivery.
👶 Is swelling on a newborn’s head always dangerous?
No.
Swelling of a newborn’s head after birth is relatively common. It may occur because the baby’s head is exposed to pressure during delivery.
For example, cephalohematoma occurs when blood collects between a skull bone and the tissue covering it. The swelling is usually limited to a particular area of the skull and does not cross the skull sutures. In most cases, it gradually resolves on its own.
However, another condition called subgaleal hemorrhage can be more serious. In this condition, blood can collect over a larger area beneath the scalp and may lead to significant blood loss.
For this reason, not all types of swelling on a newborn’s head should be considered the same.
🦴 Can a baby’s bone break during birth?
Yes, although this is relatively uncommon.
One of the most common fractures associated with birth is a clavicle (collarbone) fracture. It may occur when the baby’s shoulders have difficulty passing through the birth canal, but it can also occur during an otherwise normal delivery.
Parents may not notice the fracture during the first few days. The baby may move the arm on the affected side less than the other arm, or swelling may become noticeable around the injured area after a few days.
The good news is that most clavicle fractures in newborns heal well and do not cause long-term problems.
🤍 What if the baby does not move one arm?
This can be particularly concerning for parents.
Sometimes the brachial plexus, a network of nerves located around the neck and shoulder, can be stretched during birth. These nerves play an important role in movement of the shoulder, arm, and hand.
For example, Erb palsy can be associated with an injury to the upper part of the brachial plexus. A baby with this type of injury may move the affected arm less than the other arm.
Many mild nerve injuries improve over time. However, if limited movement continues, the baby should be evaluated by a pediatrician and, when necessary, a pediatric neurologist or orthopedic specialist.
If you notice that your baby is moving one arm noticeably less than the other, tell your pediatrician.