15
Birth injuries

The incidence of severe birth injuries has fallen dramatically over the last 50 years. Prolonged, obstructed labor and difficult instrumental deliveries are usually avoided by cesarean section. However, birth injuries still occur, especially following instrumental deliveries, shoulder dystocia, malpresentation or preterm delivery. They are usually classified according to their anatomic location.

Common or important birth injuries

These are listed in Table 15.1. Scalp swellings can be differentiated by their position and relationship to the skull bones (Fig. 15.1).

Table 15.1 Common or important birth injuries.

Fig. 15.1 Anatomic location of injuries to the head.