Does breech labor increase the risk of cerebral palsy? Breech labor can raise the chances of cerebral palsy, but it does not always cause it. The link comes from problems during delivery that affect the baby’s brain.
A breech baby is positioned bottom or feet first instead of head first. This makes vaginal birth trickier. Doctors often suggest a C-section for breech babies to lower risks. When vaginal breech delivery happens, issues like oxygen loss to the baby can occur. Low oxygen, called hypoxia, harms brain cells and may lead to cerebral palsy later.
One main worry is oxygen deprivation during breech labor. If the umbilical cord gets trapped or labor drags on, the baby misses oxygen. This can cause brain damage known as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. That damage often results in cerebral palsy. Proper care means watching for baby distress signs and doing a quick C-section if needed. Delays here boost the risk.
Other breech delivery problems add to the danger. Pulling too hard on the baby might cause head trauma or bleeding in the brain. Tools like forceps raise chances of skull breaks or nerve harm. These injuries can spark cerebral palsy if the brain is hit.
Not every breech birth ends badly. Many babies do fine with good medical steps. Spotting breech early in pregnancy lets parents pick the safest birth plan. Training helps doctors handle breech cases without mistakes.
Risks go beyond breech alone. Big babies, long labors, or mom having diabetes make things worse. Breech just adds to the mix.
Sources
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https://www.grossmanjustice.com/new-jersey-breech-birth-delayed-section-lawyer/
https://www.dwbrlaw.com/category/birth-injuries/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12701515/
https://www.sokolovelaw.com/birth-injuries/
https://www.orthobullets.com/pediatrics/4130/cerebral-palsy–hip-conditions
