Can Long Labor Cause Oxygen Deprivation Brain Injuries?
Labor usually lasts from a few hours to about a day, but when it goes on much longer, it is called prolonged labor. This happens if the cervix does not open enough or the baby does not move down the birth canal as expected. During this time, the baby can face extra risks, including not getting enough oxygen. Without enough oxygen, the baby’s brain may suffer damage that leads to serious health problems later on.
Prolonged labor stresses the baby because strong or frequent contractions can reduce blood flow through the umbilical cord. This cuts off oxygen supply to the brain, a condition known as birth asphyxia or hypoxia. If it lasts too long, brain cells start to die after just a few minutes. Medical teams watch for signs like a dropping heart rate in the baby, which signals fetal distress. They may use tools like monitors to check oxygen levels.
One main injury from this is hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE. HIE happens when the brain lacks blood and oxygen during birth. It can cause swelling in the brain and lead to issues like seizures right after birth. In bad cases, babies develop cerebral palsy, which affects movement and muscle control. Other problems include learning delays, vision loss, epilepsy, and trouble with speech or swallowing.
Doctors sometimes give the mother a drug called Pitocin to speed up contractions in long labors. But if it makes contractions too strong or close together, it can squeeze the umbilical cord harder and worsen oxygen loss. This raises the chance of HIE, jaundice, or even bleeding in the baby’s eyes or brain. Shoulder dystocia, where the baby’s shoulders get stuck, can also block oxygen during the final push stage.
Infections can spread from mother to baby during long labors, adding to the risks. Low oxygen might also cause low scores on newborn tests like APGAR, showing the baby is in poor shape at birth. Quick action, such as breaking the water sac or doing a C-section, can help prevent these issues if labor stalls.
The damage depends on how long the oxygen shortage lasts and how fast treatment starts. Mild cases might improve with cooling therapy for the baby’s head to protect brain cells. Severe ones can mean lifelong care needs, like therapy for walking or thinking skills. Kids with these injuries from birth often face longer hospital stays and slower recovery compared to other brain injuries.
Sources
https://www.bila.ca/prolonged-labour-effects-on-baby/
https://www.childbirthinjuries.com/blog/prolonged-labor-effects-on-baby-complications/
https://www.fletcherssolicitors.co.uk/birth-injury-claims/guides/your-guide-to-hypoxic-brain-injury-claims/
https://now.aapmr.org/pediatric-anoxic-brain-injury/
https://www.cuminggillespie.com/blog/medical-malpractice/faqs-about-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-hie/
https://www.sokolovelaw.com/birth-injuries/causes/
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
https://www.dko-law.com/blog/can-birth-injuries-cause-autism-or-adhd/
https://www.dwbrlaw.com/category/birth-injuries/
