Types of birth injuries: causes, symptoms & treatment
Birth injuries range from minor bruising that heals quickly to serious conditions causing lifelong challenges. Understanding each type helps families recognize symptoms early, seek the right treatment, and advocate for their child’s needs.
Medically reviewed
Updated April 2026
~ min read
25,000+
Babies are born with a birth injury each year in the U.S.
80%+
Of reported birth injuries are moderate to severe, including brain and nerve damage
160,000
Birth injuries per year in the U.S. estimated to be preventable
15 types of birth injuries
Understanding the different types of birth injuries helps families recognize early symptoms, seek treatment quickly, and better advocate for their child’s needs. While “birth injury” sounds frightening, not all injuries are permanent — many can be treated with therapy, surgery, or careful medical management.
Birth injuries are organized here by their primary mechanism into four categories. Each injury entry covers causes, symptoms, whether it is typically permanent, and treatment options. Jump to any condition using the index below.
These injuries occur when nerves running through the spine or shoulder are stretched, torn, or severed during delivery — most often in difficult births involving shoulder dystocia, breech positioning, or excessive force.
SymptomsDelivery emergency — baby’s shoulder trapped after head delivers; risk of oxygen loss and nerve damage
Permanent?Depends on complications — the dystocia itself resolves; associated nerve damage may be permanent
TreatmentTrained obstetric maneuvers (McRoberts, suprapubic pressure) to free shoulder; immediate resuscitation if oxygen restricted
Nerve injuries require early action
For brachial plexus injuries and Erb’s palsy, the surgical window closes quickly. If your child’s affected arm shows no improvement by 3 months, request an immediate specialist referral. Speak with our team today.
Brain Damage
Brain damage injuries
The brain requires more oxygen than any other organ. Disruptions to oxygen supply, bleeding, infections, or toxic buildup during delivery can cause lasting neurological damage — from mild cognitive delays to severe conditions like cerebral palsy.
Permanent?Depends on extent — mild injuries may heal; severe cases can lead to cerebral palsy or cognitive impairment
TreatmentStabilization at birth, seizure medications, cooling therapy for oxygen deprivation, long-term rehabilitation therapies
Swelling & Hemorrhage
Swelling and hemorrhage injuries
Bleeding around the brain or swelling of an infant’s scalp may occur from delivery tool trauma, pressure during prolonged birth, or undeveloped blood vessels in preterm infants. Many resolve on their own, but severe bleeds require prompt imaging and possible surgery.
Cephalohematoma
CausesPressure during delivery, especially with forceps or vacuum extraction rupturing blood vessels under the scalp
SymptomsSoft, raised lump on the baby’s head; does not cross suture lines (distinguishes it from caput succedaneum)
Permanent?Usually no — resolves on its own within weeks to months; rarely causes long-term issues
TreatmentObservation; most cases need no treatment. Drainage rarely needed. Monitor for jaundice as the blood is reabsorbed
Newborn Skull Fractures
CausesProlonged labor, forceps or vacuum extraction, large baby size creating pressure against the maternal pelvis
SymptomsSwelling, unusual head shape, soft spots; most linear fractures are asymptomatic and detected on imaging
Permanent?Usually no — most linear fractures heal without intervention; depressed fractures pressing on the brain may need surgery
TreatmentMonitoring and imaging; neurosurgical repair if fracture depresses into brain tissue or causes neurological symptoms
Vacuum Extractor Injuries
CausesImproper use of vacuum suction device during difficult or prolonged labor
SymptomsScalp swelling (caput succedaneum), cephalohematoma, skull fractures, or intracranial hemorrhage in severe cases
Permanent?Usually no — most heal; severe brain bleeds may cause lasting neurological damage
TreatmentImaging to assess severity; observation for mild cases; surgery if fractures or significant brain bleeds are present
Delivery Trauma
Delivery trauma injuries
These injuries result from specific delivery complications or tool misuse that cause direct physical harm to the newborn. Both are largely preventable with proper obstetric technique and preparation.
Forceps Injuries
CausesAssisted vaginal birth where forceps apply too much pressure or are incorrectly positioned
Permanent?Usually temporary — most babies recover fully with treatment; severe cases may cause chronic lung issues
TreatmentOxygen therapy, airway suctioning at birth, mechanical ventilation for severe cases, surfactant treatment if needed
Early recognition is key
Knowledge empowers parents to act quickly and confidently. Many birth injuries are temporary and resolve with minimal treatment. What matters most is early recognition and immediate intervention when symptoms appear.
If you suspect your child may have a birth injury, seek evaluation from a pediatrician, neurologist, or developmental specialist as soon as possible. With today’s medical advances, children with birth injuries have more opportunities than ever to thrive. Early steps that matter:
Request imaging (MRI or ultrasound) if a difficult delivery occurred
Ask for a newborn developmental screening and Apgar review
Monitor for the symptoms listed for each injury type above
Start therapy as early as possible if a nerve or brain injury is suspected — waiting reduces the recovery window
Get a second opinion if you feel concerns are being dismissed
Many birth injuries are caused by preventable medical mistakes. When negligence is a factor, families have the legal right to seek compensation that can fund a lifetime of care.
Parents may be able to file a lawsuit if their child’s birth injury was caused by medical negligence such as improper monitoring, delayed intervention, misuse of delivery tools, or failure to perform a necessary C-section. A birth injury lawsuit can help families recover costs for medical care, ongoing therapy, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and long-term support.
The awards available from a birth injury claim often far exceed what government programs, grants, and insurance can provide. Our birth injury lawyers are available 24/7 at no cost, with no fee unless compensation is recovered. Every state has a filing deadline — contact us today to find out if your family qualifies before the window closes.
Free case review — no obligation
If you believe medical mistakes caused or contributed to your child’s birth injury, speak with a nurse or lawyer today at no cost to learn about your options.
Frequently asked questions about birth injury types
The most common birth injuries are brachial plexus injuries, which affect the nerves controlling the shoulder, arm, and hand. These often occur during difficult deliveries when a baby’s shoulder gets stuck. Most cases improve with physical therapy, though severe cases may require surgery. Other common injuries include bruising, skull fractures, and temporary scalp swelling.
No — many birth injuries are temporary and heal with little or no treatment. Bruises, cephalohematomas, and small fractures often resolve within weeks. However, injuries involving the brain or nerves — such as cerebral palsy, HIE, or severe brachial plexus damage — can cause long-term challenges. The outcome depends on the type of injury, how quickly it’s treated, and the severity of the damage.
Birth injuries and birth defects are different. A birth injury happens during pregnancy, labor, or delivery — often due to complications such as oxygen deprivation, prolonged labor, or improper use of delivery tools. A birth defect develops before birth due to genetic or environmental factors affecting how the baby grows in the womb. Both can lead to lifelong health issues, but their causes and timing are distinct.
Parents may be able to file a lawsuit if their child’s birth injury was caused by medical negligence such as improper monitoring, delayed intervention, or misuse of delivery tools. Legal action can help families recover costs for medical care, therapies, and long-term support. Consult with a birth injury attorney to review the specifics of your case. There is no fee unless compensation is recovered.
If your newborn has unusual symptoms — muscle stiffness, weakness in one arm, feeding difficulties, seizures, or delayed milestones — ask your pediatrician immediately. Early testing with physical exams, imaging, or developmental screenings can detect injuries quickly. The sooner a birth injury is diagnosed, the earlier treatments and therapies can begin, giving your child the best chance to thrive.
Birth injuries can happen for many reasons including lack of oxygen during delivery, prolonged or difficult labor, prematurity, forceps or vacuum use, shoulder dystocia, or infections. Sometimes injuries are unavoidable. Other times they may be linked to preventable medical mistakes. Talking with your child’s pediatrician and, if needed, a specialist or birth injury attorney can help identify the likely cause and whether any errors occurred.
