BIRTH — COMMON PROBLEMS: BONE INJURIES AND BRUISING
Bone injuries
If the birth has been difficult because your pelvis is small and the baby is big, his collarbone (clavicle) may break on one side. This injury is also more common with breech deliveries. Because babies’ bones are malleable, the fracture heals well without treatment, occasionally leaving a small lump. Gentle handling until the break heals will reduce pain and discomfort. More rarely, fractures of the long bones of the arm or leg (humerus and femur) are seen. This kind of break will require splinting until it heals. Skull fractures are also rare, but need to be watched carefully, although they generally heal without complications.
Your baby may come out looking like he’s been in a fight! His face or head may be swollen and bruised. If this is a mirror injury, it requires no treatment and will resolve itself. If there is marked swelling due to significant bruising, then a skull X-ray may be performed to rule out a fracture, and the baby’s blood may be checked to make sure there have been no complications from bleeding. In the majority of cases the results of these tests are normal, and the bruising is due to the pressure on the face and head during the baby’s passage through the birth canal. If forceps are used, they may leave visible marks on each side of the face and head. These usually disappear after a few days and are not a cause for concern.
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