Does breech birth increase cerebral palsy cases? Breech birth raises the risk of cerebral palsy mainly when it leads to oxygen deprivation during a vaginal delivery, but proper medical management like a timely C-section can lower that danger.
A breech birth happens when the baby comes out bottom or feet first instead of head first. This position makes vaginal delivery trickier and riskier for the baby. Doctors often spot it during pregnancy checks or labor. If found early, they talk with the mom about choices like a C-section, which is safer in many cases.
The big worry with breech vaginal birth is oxygen loss to the baby’s brain. If the cord gets squeezed or delivery drags on, the baby might not get enough oxygen. This lack of oxygen, called hypoxia, can harm brain cells and lead to cerebral palsy, a lifelong condition that affects movement and muscle control. One guide notes extra risks with breech vaginal births, including higher chances of oxygen deprivation causing brain damage and cerebral palsy if not handled right.[2]
Not every breech birth causes this. Problems happen more when doctors miss the breech position, push for vaginal delivery without warning the mom of risks, or ignore baby distress signs during labor. For example, failing to check the baby’s position or delaying a C-section can let oxygen issues build up, raising cerebral palsy odds.[2][6]
Breech births link to other birth injuries too, like nerve damage in the arm known as Erb’s palsy. In breech position, the baby’s arms might get stretched as doctors pull to deliver, hurting shoulder nerves. But Erb’s palsy is different from cerebral palsy, which hits the brain.[1]
Studies show most cerebral palsy ties to issues before or during birth, like infections, low blood sugar, or oxygen shortages from cord problems. Premature babies face even higher risks since their brains are not fully ready. Breech adds to these if delivery goes wrong, but quick action prevents many cases.[4]
Today, fewer breech vaginal births occur because C-sections are common for them. Delaying a needed C-section in breech cases can cause brain damage or cerebral palsy from oxygen lack.[5][6] Good monitoring and choices cut the risks a lot.
Sources
https://www.cerebralpalsyhub.com/birth-injury/erbs-palsy/
https://www.rwkgoodman.com/injury/birth-injury-claims/cerebral-palsy-claims/cerebral-palsy-guide-causes-symptoms-legal/
https://nybirthinjury.com/early-mri-brachial-plexus-surgery-indication/
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/ataxic-cerebral-palsy
https://www.childbirthinjuries.com/birth-injury/c-section-injuries/
https://www.grossmanjustice.com/new-jersey-breech-birth-delayed-section-lawyer/
https://www.dwbrlaw.com/category/birth-injuries/
https://www.orthobullets.com/pediatrics/4130/cerebral-palsy–hip-conditions
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12701515/
