Is breech birth tied to cerebral palsy risk? Breech birth means the baby comes out bottom or feet first instead of head first. This position can make delivery harder and raise chances of problems that might lead to cerebral palsy, a condition that affects muscle control due to brain damage early in life.
Doctors often worry about breech births because they can cause issues like low oxygen to the baby’s brain. If a breech baby gets stuck during vaginal delivery or if a C-section comes too late, the baby might not get enough oxygen. Lack of oxygen, called hypoxia, harms brain cells and is a main cause of cerebral palsy. One source notes that in tough breech deliveries, brain damage can happen fast from oxygen loss. Another points out extra risks with vaginal breech births, like cord compression that cuts blood flow to the brain.
Not every breech birth leads to cerebral palsy. Many breech babies are born safely with planned C-sections, which lower these risks. Today, doctors usually recommend C-sections for breech positions to avoid complications. Still, if labor drags on or help like forceps is used wrong, oxygen problems can arise.
Breech births also link to other nerve injuries, like those in the arm, but the brain risk comes from oxygen dips. Premature babies in breech have even higher chances since their brains are not fully ready. Signs of cerebral palsy might show later, like floppy muscles or delays in walking, but the damage often starts at birth.
Sources
https://www.cerebralpalsyhub.com/birth-injury/erbs-palsy/
https://nybirthinjury.com/early-mri-brachial-plexus-surgery-indication/
https://www.lblaw.co.uk/medical-negligence/birth-injury/klumpkes-palsy-claims/
https://www.grossmanjustice.com/new-jersey-breech-birth-delayed-section-lawyer/
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/ataxic-cerebral-palsy
https://www.rwkgoodman.com/injury/birth-injury-claims/cerebral-palsy-claims/cerebral-palsy-guide-causes-symptoms-legal/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12701515/
https://www.dwbrlaw.com/category/birth-injuries/
https://www.orthobullets.com/pediatrics/4130/cerebral-palsy–hip-conditions
