What Is Birth Trauma? Types, Symptoms, and Treatments
While many mothers experience childbirth as a positive event, others endure severe physical pain and psychological trauma during delivery—this is known as birth trauma.
If you find yourself in this situation, you may be wondering what birth trauma truly entails.
What Is Birth Trauma?
Birth trauma refers to the physical, psychological, and emotional distress experienced during or after childbirth. It can have lasting impacts on both you and your child, including physical injuries, chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD and strained relationships.
Recognising and addressing birth trauma is essential, especially when it results from medical negligence. At Birth Trauma Law, we are dedicated to protecting your rights. This article will help you understand birth trauma, the types of injuries involved, and guide you through the legal support available.
Symptoms of Birth Trauma
Physical Pain
You may experience chronic pain, unhealed wounds and mobility difficulties that disrupt your daily life.
Emotional Toll
Feelings of agitation, fear, or overwhelm are common, along with anxiety symptoms like increased heart rate, palpitations and restlessness.
Psychological Stress
You might encounter blocked memories, flashbacks, heightened alertness and recurring nightmares, which can contribute to long-term mental health challenges.
Relational Strain
Birth trauma can strain your relationships, making it difficult to bond with your baby or leading to fear of sexual intimacy.
If these symptoms persist for more than three months, it's important to seek professional help, as they may indicate postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Types of Birth Trauma
Birth trauma can be broadly categorised into two main areas: maternal birth injuries and newborn injuries.
Maternal Birth Trauma
Maternal birth injuries can significantly impact the physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life of the mother. Here are some common injuries mothers may experience.
1. Perineal Tears
Perineal tears occur when the area between the anus and vulva tears during childbirth. The severity of these tears can vary, and some may require surgical intervention. If left untreated, they can lead to chronic pain, urinary incontinence, and loss of sexual drive.
2. Pudendal Nerve Damage
The pudendal nerve controls sensation and movement in the pelvic area. Damage during childbirth can result in loss of sensation, faecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. In severe cases, it can cause pudendal neuralgia, a painful nerve condition affecting the genitals, bottom, or pelvic region.
3. Pelvic Floor Disorder
Childbirth can weaken or injure the pelvic floor muscles, which support your urinary system and reproductive organs. Damage to these muscles can lead to issues with bladder and bowel control.
4. Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)
POP occurs when the muscles and ligaments supporting your pelvic organs are weakened or damaged, causing organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum to drop into or out of the vagina. This condition can also cause discomfort during urinary and bowel functions.
5. Infections
Infections can arise during or after childbirth due to improper or unhygienic medical practices. If not treated promptly, these infections can lead to long-term health problems such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections.
6. Bladder Damage and Incontinence
Bladder damage during childbirth can result in incontinence or urine leakage. This condition can be distressing and may require specialised treatment to manage effectively.
7. Pelvic Fractures
Childbirth can sometimes cause fractures in the pelvic bones, including the pubic bone, coccyx, or sacrum. These fractures can be painful, requiring time to heal and potentially impacting your mobility and daily activities.
8. Caesarean Wounds
Complications from a caesarean section can include wound breakdown (dehiscence) and infections. Prompt medical attention is essential to prevent these issues from worsening.
9. Uterine Rupture
A rare but serious condition, uterine rupture occurs when the uterus tears during childbirth. This requires emergency surgery to save both you and your baby.
10. Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH)
PPH is excessive bleeding that occurs during or after childbirth. This serious condition demands immediate treatment to prevent life-threatening complications such as rapid blood loss, low blood pressure, and organ damage.
11. Other Injuries
Other potential injuries during childbirth include wound breakdown, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), and secondary postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding between 24 hours and 12 weeks after childbirth). Each condition requires specific medical care to ensure proper recovery.
Newborn Birth Trauma
Birth trauma can significantly impact newborns, potentially leading to developmental issues. Here are some common injuries children might experience.
1. Bruising and Swelling
Newborns may develop bruising on their face or scalp due to the pressure of passing through the birth canal. The use of forceps (surgical tongs) can also cause temporary bruises on the baby’s skin. Additionally, your child may experience caput succedaneum (scalp swelling), which typically resolves within a few days.
2. Cephalohematoma
Cephalohematoma occurs when blood vessels in the scalp burst due to pressure on the baby’s head, forming a soft bulge that hardens over time as blood accumulates. This condition often arises during prolonged labour.
3. Fractures
The baby’s clavicle (collarbone) is particularly vulnerable to fractures during childbirth. In some cases, a baby may also suffer fractures to the upper arm or ribs during a difficult delivery. These injuries can be painful and may take time to heal.
4. Nerve Damage
Nerve injuries can impair a child's mobility and sensation.
5. Brain Injuries
Brain damage in infants can result from factors such as oxygen deprivation, physical trauma, or infections. These injuries may lead to lifelong challenges, including developmental delays, physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, and neurological disorders.
6. Brain Bleeding
Brain bleeding, or intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), is more common in premature newborns and can affect their neurological development. It occurs when blood vessels in the brain rupture during delivery.
7. Perinatal Asphyxia
Perinatal asphyxia, also known as oxygen deprivation, is a serious condition in which the baby does not receive enough oxygen during birth. This can lead to complications such as loss of consciousness, respiratory distress, or even heart failure.
Treatments for Birth Trauma
Addressing birth trauma involves both physical and psychological care. It is essential to seek medical treatment promptly to prevent complications and start your recovery.
Physical Rehabilitation
If you have chronic physical injuries, rehabilitation therapies, such as physiotherapy, are vital for restoring function and reducing pain. This involves pelvic floor exercises, postnatal yoga and other specialised treatments.
Counselling and Therapy
Psychological support is essential in managing the emotional impact of birth trauma. Engaging with a therapist can help you process your hurts and develop effective coping strategies.
Medical Treatment
Depending on how severe your birth trauma is, medical interventions such as surgery, pain management, or ongoing specialist care are necessary. Adhering to your healthcare provider’s recommendations is important to ensuring the best possible outcome for your health.
Support System
It is crucial for your recovery to have a strong support network, including your family, friends, and professionals. Seek assistance when needed. Participation in support groups can also offer you a sense of community and shared understanding.
How Can Birth Trauma Law Help?
At Birth Trauma Law, we understand how deeply birth trauma affects you and your child.
Our birth trauma lawyers don’t just offer legal expertise but also support and guidance during this challenging time.
We are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve and holding negligent parties accountable. If you have any questions, our FAQ page offers clear answers to common concerns.
Unsure where to start? Want someone to do it for you?
Speak to a lawyer for free to have your options laid out for you.