A birth injury is any type of harm that a baby suffers during the childbirth process.

Birth injuries should not be confused with birth defects. Birth defects usually are a result of either toxic exposure within the womb or a genetic condition. A birth injury is primarily the result of complications that arise during the process of childbirth.

Estimates indicate that approximately .7% of all babies that are born in the US suffer some type of injury during labor or delivery.

The potential for birth traumas due to the natural contortions and contractions that are associated with childbirth are present any time a baby is born. The process of childbirth itself can be very challenging for a small baby.

Premature birth, an unusually large fetus, or irregularities in the mother's pelvic area can increase the possibility of injuries during childbirth.

Unfortunately birth injuries may also result from some form of malpractice or medical negligence that can happen during labor or anytime during delivery. For example, medical malpractice could be caused by delivery aids such as vacuum extraction or forceps that have been improperly used.

Birth injuries may also result if the mother has taken prescription drugs or has been exposed to dangerous chemicals in her work environment during her pregnancy.

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are a relatively new type of prescription medications that were originally designed to relieve anxiety disorders and depression. Since then SSRIs have also been used to treat obesity, bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, alcoholism, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that when a pregnant woman takes anti-depressant medications such as SSRIs she is at least six times more likely to deliver a baby with a birth injury. The most common is PPHN (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn). This debilitating condition makes it difficult for a newborn to breathe.

There are numerous types of birth traumas. Here are some of the more common birth injuries:

- Fractures

- Brain damage

- Cerebral palsy

- Lacerations or bruising

- Forceps marks

- Shoulder dyslocia injuries

- Internal bleeding

- Erb's palsy (sometimes called brachial plexus palsy)

- Severe swelling of the scalp

- Facial paralysis

- Breakage of small blood vessels in the eyes

In order to reduce the risk of injuries many parents opt to have a c-section (cesarian-section) performed. However, having a c-section doesn't absolutely guarantee that the delivery will be trauma free.

Parents of a child who has suffered from a birth injury can fight back for their child's rights. They can take legal action. And, in many cases, experienced birth injury attorneys offer free, no-obligation legal consultation.