Birth Injuries (N)

Question 1

What are some soft tissue injuries?

Answer 1

Caput Succadeneum
Bruising and oedema extending beyond the margins of the skull bones/ suture lines
Resolves in a few days

Cephalohaematoma
Subperiosteal bleeding, confined to skull sutures. Often in parietal region
Resolves over weeks

Chignon
Bruising and oedema formed after Ventouse delivery

Subaponeurotic haemorrhage
Diffuse, boggy swelling of scalp
Blood loss can be severe and cause shock and coagulopathy

Question 2

What are some nerve palsies?

Answer 2

Erbs palsy (C5 and C6)
Affected arm is straight, hand pronated and fingers flexed (Waiters tip position)
Refer to orthopaedic or plastic surgeon if not resolved in 3 months

Phrenic nerve palsy
Elevated diaphragm

Facial nerve palsy
Compression against maternal ischial spine, forceps

*They can be due to breech presentation or with shoulder dystocia