Does breech delivery raise the risk of cerebral palsy? Yes, vaginal breech delivery can increase the chance of cerebral palsy mainly because it raises the risk of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain during birth.
A breech baby is positioned bottom or feet first instead of head first in the womb. This happens in about 3 to 4 percent of full term pregnancies. Doctors often spot it during checkups with ultrasound or exams. For most cases, they recommend a cesarean section, or C-section, to lower risks. This surgery delivers the baby through an opening in the mother’s belly and avoids the tight squeeze of a vaginal birth.
Vaginal breech births carry extra dangers. The baby’s head can get stuck after the body comes out, cutting off oxygen flow through the umbilical cord. Even a few minutes without enough oxygen can harm brain cells. This lack of oxygen, called hypoxia, may lead to brain damage and conditions like cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy affects muscle control and movement because of early brain injury.
Studies and medical guides point to this link. For example, poor handling of breech position, like not spotting it in time or skipping a needed C-section, has led to legal claims over brain injuries. Signs of baby distress during labor, such as odd heart rates, demand quick action. If doctors miss these or delay help, the risk climbs.
Not every breech birth ends badly. Many babies do fine with proper care. Turning the baby in the womb or planning a C-section early helps. But when vaginal delivery happens without full warnings or checks, problems can follow. Parents should discuss options with their doctor if breech is found before labor starts.
Other birth issues, like infections or low blood sugar, also tie into cerebral palsy risks. Yet breech position stands out for its direct impact on oxygen during delivery.
Sources
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.cerebralpalsyhub.com/birth-injury/erbs-palsy/
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/ataxic-cerebral-palsy
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12701515/
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
