Can Breech Delivery Result in Cerebral Palsy?
A breech delivery happens when a baby comes out feet or bottom first instead of head first. This position makes birth more challenging and raises the chance of problems that could harm the baby’s brain. While not every breech birth leads to cerebral palsy, a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle control, certain risks during these deliveries can contribute to it.
One main worry is oxygen loss to the baby, called birth asphyxia. In a breech birth, the umbilical cord can get compressed or twisted, cutting off oxygen flow from the placenta. If doctors do not spot this quickly through fetal heart monitoring, the baby’s brain may suffer damage within minutes. This kind of brain injury, known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or HIE, often leads to cerebral palsy later on.[1][5][6]
Delayed decisions also play a big role. Breech babies often need a C-section for safety, but if medical teams wait too long after seeing warning signs like abnormal heart rates, oxygen deprivation worsens. Guidelines say a C-section should happen within 30 minutes of deciding it is needed. Needless delays increase the risk of permanent brain harm and cerebral palsy.[1][2][6]
Doctors sometimes try vaginal breech delivery with tools like forceps or vacuum extractors to help the baby out. These can work but carry dangers if used with too much force. Head injuries such as skull fractures, bleeding in the brain, or swelling under the scalp can follow. Any of these may damage brain areas that control movement, setting the stage for cerebral palsy.[1][2]
Breech position itself adds extra strain. The baby’s arms or shoulders might get stuck, leading to pulling that stretches nerves or cuts oxygen further. In multiples like twins, breech is even more common, up to 60 percent of cases, heightening delivery troubles.[3][4]
Not all cerebral palsy from breech births comes from doctor errors. Some risks tie to natural factors like a large baby or placental issues. Still, quick action by healthcare providers can often prevent the worst outcomes. Families facing this should watch for early signs like trouble moving or developmental delays in their child.
Sources
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/ataxic-cerebral-palsy
https://www.childbirthinjuries.com/birth-injury/c-section-injuries/
https://www.cerebralpalsyhub.com/birth-injury/erbs-palsy/
https://www.beamlegalteam.com/blog/birth-injuries-in-multiples-why-twins-and-triplets-face-higher-risks/
https://www.sokolovelaw.com/birth-injuries/causes/
https://www.grossmanjustice.com/new-jersey-breech-birth-delayed-section-lawyer/
https://www.brewsterlaw.com/medical-malpractice/birth-injuries/
https://www.dwbrlaw.com/category/birth-injuries/
