Birth Canal Trauma

The process of giving birth can be a rewarding, yet traumatic, experience for both mother and baby. Babies entering the world through the birth canal may encounter many obstacles on their journey. These frightening experiences can vary from mild to life-threatening. Even births that appear to be problem-free can involve distressing events with passage through the birth canal.

  1. The Birth Canal

    • According to Health Library, the birth canal is the pathway that a baby usually travels in order to be born. The birth canal consists of the cervix, vagina and vulva. Many things occur as the baby squeezes its way through the birth canal: fluid is squeezed out of the lungs and the central nervous and circulatory systems are activated and begin to organize and tremendous pressure is created for a first breath, according to Osteodoc.com.

    Problems That Arise

    • During the birthing process, the baby's head works to open the birth canal by pressing against the cervix. This pressure causes the bones surrounding the brain to fold over one another, producing duress and trauma to the brain. As the baby squeezes through the birth canal, the compressive forces may overwhelm the nervous system, preventing the skull bones from re-expanding to their normal structure after the birth, according to Osteodoc.com.

    Use of Force

    • If the baby fails to progress and becomes stuck in the birth canal for too long, it may be necessary to use additional instruments to aid in the delivery of the baby, according to eMedicine.com. Forceps and vacuum extractors can be used to save a baby's life, in the hands of a skilled clinician. However, the use of these devices increases the risk of birth-related injuries, including nerve damage and brain damage and broken bones.

    A Last Resort

    • In some cases, the birthing process can become extremely dangerous for the unborn baby. If the baby becomes stuck in the birth canal and has difficulty breathing, low heart rate or decreased blood supply, the baby may be delivered through cesarean section (C-section) to ensure the baby and mother's well-being. While infants born through C-section encounter less compressive forces, this procedure has its own set of risks and complications.

    Treatments for Trauma

    • After the traumatic experience of passing through the birth canal, babies may be left with a variety of injuries anywhere from broken bones to nerve damage. The good news is that most minor birth-related injuries heal on their own, without extensive treatment. In more severe cases, treatment may include surgery, medication or physical therapy.

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