Group B Strep infections can be particularly scary for expectant mothers because anyone, even healthy mothers, can carry GBS and may not even display any symptoms. Group B… more »
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a condition where a newborn breathes meconium (newborn’s first stools – thick, sticky, greenish-black color) and amniotic fluid into the lungs before, during, or… more »
Early signs of cerebral palsy may be present from birth. Most children with cerebral palsy are diagnosed during the first 2 years of life. But if a child’s symptoms… more »
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy is a condition in which the brain does not receive enough oxygen, which can occur during a difficult labor and delivery. The consequences can be severe… more »
In 0.5% of all labors, mothers experience antepartum hemorrhage, otherwise known as excessive vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. There are two main causes of the complication: placental previa which accounts for… more »
As with cerebral palsy, it can be difficult to determine if your newborn suffered a brain injury. This is because oftentimes symptoms will not be apparent until the child is around four to five years of age. This is because doctors often need to see your child move to check coordination and motor skills as well as… more »
Group B Strep infections can be particularly scary for expectant mothers because anyone, even healthy mothers, can carry GBS and may not even display any symptoms. Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae, group B strep, or GBS) is a gram-positive streptococcal bacterium commonly found in the intestines and lower genital tract. In adults, it is usually harmless, but… more »
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a condition where a newborn breathes meconium (newborn’s first stools – thick, sticky, greenish-black color) and amniotic fluid into the lungs before, during, or after delivery. When a baby is under stress or not receiving enough oxygen or blood, the baby can pass feces while still in the uterus. Once this happens, the… more »
Early signs of cerebral palsy may be present from birth. Most children with cerebral palsy are diagnosed during the first 2 years of life. But if a child’s symptoms are mild, it can be difficult for a doctor to make a reliable diagnosis before the age of 4 or 5. Nevertheless, if a doctor suspects cerebral palsy, he or… more »
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy is a condition in which the brain does not receive enough oxygen, which can occur during a difficult labor and delivery. The consequences can be severe and can include life-long complications. When a baby is deprived of oxygen during labor and delivery for over a five-minute period of time they can suffer from many types of… more »
In 0.5% of all labors, mothers experience antepartum hemorrhage, otherwise known as excessive vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. There are two main causes of the complication: placental previa which accounts for 31% of obstetric hemorrhages and placenta abruption which accounts for 22%. Placental previa is a condition in which the placenta is attached too close to the uterine wall and covers… more »
Forceps are an instrument that is sometimes used in childbirth if it is a difficult delivery. When a labor becomes delayed or a baby is stuck in the birth canal and is starting to show signs of distress, a doctor may opt for a cesarean section or to use forceps. Looking like a large set of tongs, the forceps are… more »
Cerebral palsy can be caused be lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during labor and delivery. When a child is deprived of oxygen before, during or after birth, they can face a lifetime of complications, including cerebral palsy. When a mother arrives at the hospital to deliver her baby, she should be connected to a fetal monitor.… more »
Cerebral palsy symptoms are varied depending on the severity of the case and what parts of the brain have been affected. Some cases are very mild, while others are extremely severe. Symptoms will most likely present themselves before a child is 2 years old, and can become apparent as early as 3 months. As each developmental stage passes which include… more »
There are many factors that can lead to the diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is caused by a brain abnormality or injury that usually occurs during pregnancy or a botched labor and delivery. There are several factors that can lead to problems with brain development. These include: Lack of oxygen to the baby during labor and delivery Detachment of… more »
Umbilical cord compression is a problem that can occur during labor and delivery involving the cord being under pressure, which causes the baby to receive a reduced amount of blood and nutrients. If the umbilical cord gets stretched and compressed during labor, it can lead to a decrease of blood to the baby, which results in a drop of… more »
Cerebral palsy can be caused by many factors, one of which is lack of oxygen during labor and delivery. In order to determine oxygen levels, Physicians monitor the baby’s heart rate. If a doctor sees a slowed or irregular rate they may require an emergency cesarean section. Delay in requiring a cesarean section when the baby is displaying… more »
Jaundice, or neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a straightforward medical complication that if left untreated, or treated improperly, can have a devastating consequence on the rest of an infant’s life. Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes. A yellow pigment called bilirubin builds up in the blood, causing the discoloration. Many babies who have jaundice… more »
Some children show signs of cerebral palsy soon after birth, while others can take years to display symptoms. Sometimes, doctors may not be able to make a diagnosis until the child is 4-5 years of age. In evaluating a child for CP, doctors will review the child’s medical history, check the child’s motor skills, and look for… more »
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is caused by abnormalities or injuries of the brain that may develop in utero, during delivery or immediately following birth. Rather than one particular cause for this life-changing medical complication, it is important to understand that the reasons for the development of CP may derive from a one or more of the following contributing factors. One… more »
Cephalohematoma (photos) is bleeding under the baby’s scalp, causing a bruise. This can occur as a result of pressure exerted on the baby’s head during delivery. The swollen and bruised area is usually on one side of the top of the baby’s head. There are usually no long-term complications or problems. Within a week or two, the blood… more »
An umbilical cord prolapse is where the cord enters the vagina before the baby through the open cervix. Then, as the baby is delivered, it can put pressure on the cord, cutting off blood flow and oxygen to the fetus. Risk factors include: Long cord length Premature birth Breech (foot-first) position Excess amniotic fluid Umbilical cord prolapse can create… more »
