Sünnitraumad

Sünnitraumad, also known as birth trauma, refers to physical injuries sustained by a baby during the process of labor and delivery. These injuries can range in severity from minor bruises and abrasions to more serious conditions affecting bones, nerves, or organs. Causes of birth trauma are varied and can include prolonged labor, difficult or obstructed labor, the use of forceps or vacuum extraction, the baby's size, or certain maternal health conditions.

Common types of birth trauma include fractures, particularly of the clavicle (collarbone), and nerve damage, such as brachial plexus injuries which can affect arm movement. Skin injuries like bruising, forceps marks, or caput succedaneum (swelling of the scalp) are also frequent. In some cases, internal injuries or complications like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (brain damage due to lack of oxygen) can occur, though these are less common.

Diagnosis often involves physical examination of the newborn, sometimes supplemented by imaging techniques like X-rays or ultrasound. Treatment depends on the specific injury, with many minor traumas resolving on their own with time. More significant injuries may require physical therapy, medication, or surgical intervention. The prognosis for babies experiencing birth trauma varies widely based on the type and severity of the injury, with many making a full recovery. Prevention strategies focus on careful monitoring of labor, appropriate medical interventions, and managing maternal risk factors.