While severe birth trauma cases, such as nerve and spinal cord injuries, impact 2.5 per 1,000 live births and are more common than many realize, the actual scope of birth trauma extends far beyond these figures. When we consider often-overlooked factors like nervous system dysregulation, vagus nerve dysfunction, subluxation, and dysautonomia, the true prevalence becomes even more significant. In this article, we will explore these critical yet under-recognized aspects of birth trauma that parents deserve to understand to better support their child’s health and development.
The more obvious and immediate signs of birth trauma can range from minor bruising or lacerations to more severe injuries like fractures, shoulder injuries, brain damage, or even death.
Birth trauma doesn’t have to look like 12 hours of labor, or weeks in the NICU. Even minor interventions, such as rough manual assistance involving twisting or pulling on the baby’s head, can lead to long-term issues. Some birth injuries are immediately noticeable, while others might not be detected until months or even years later when developmental delays or neurological problems begin to emerge.
For Oliver his fast traumatic birth led to severe respiratory compromise via a condition called Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN), seizures, and more, but for the majority of infants who experience birth trauma the signs and symptoms may not emerge until days, weeks, months, or even years later.
The impact of birth trauma extends beyond just the physical injuries to the newborn. Mothers who witness their child’s traumatic birth may experience emotional and psychological trauma as well, leading to postpartum depression, anxiety, or even Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The effects of birth trauma can ripple through the entire family, causing stress, financial strain, and long-term challenges as the child grows and develops.
In this article, we’ll explore what birth trauma is, how it occurs, and the physical and mental health consequences in both infants and mothers. We’ll also delve into the connection between birth trauma, subluxation, and dysautonomia, and how Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care can help.
What is Birth Trauma?
Birth trauma refers to any injury or damage that occurs to the newborn during the labor and delivery process. While the term “birth trauma” is often used to describe physical injuries, it can also encompass the emotional and psychological trauma experienced by both the infant and the mother.
Physical birth trauma can range from minor bruising or lacerations to more severe injuries like fractures, nerve damage, or brain injury. Emotional birth trauma can occur when the mother experiences a frightening, stressful, or unexpected event during childbirth, such as an emergency C-section or a life-threatening complication. Psychological birth trauma, also known as postnatal PTSD, can develop in mothers who give birth in a traumatic environment and may manifest as anxiety, depression, or flashbacks.
The concept of “The Perfect Storm” is crucial to understanding how birth trauma occurs. “The Perfect Storm” refers to a combination of factors that can contribute to birth trauma, including:
- Fertility issues that may lead to a high risk, medically complicated pregnancy and delivery
- Maternal stress and anxiety during pregnancy and while giving birth
- Complications during labor and delivery (prolonged labor, fetal distress)
- Medical interventions (forceps, vacuum extraction, emergency C-section)
- Lack of support or communication from healthcare providers
When these factors converge, they can create a “Perfect Storm” that increases the likelihood of birth trauma occurring. In fact, studies have shown that up to 45% of mothers who give birth report experiencing some form of birth trauma, with 1.5-6% developing postnatal PTSD.
Different Types of Birth Trauma
While the female body is incredible in its ability to navigate labor and delivery, interventions are sometimes necessary. However, even the most routine-seeming procedures can cause physical strain and injury to a newborn’s delicate nervous system, setting the stage for neurological challenges down the road.
Traumatic births can have a profound effect on an infant’s developing brain, brainstem, spinal cord, and vagus nerve. By understanding the different types of birth injuries and their potential consequences, parents can be better equipped to advocate for their child’s neurological health from day one.
Some of the most common forms of birth trauma include:
- Cord Wrapping: While many babies are born with the umbilical cord loosely draped around their neck without issue, a tightly wrapped cord can compress the fragile structures of the upper cervical spine and brainstem. This area is dense with neurological tissue that forms the critical junction between the brain and body. Sustained pressure and oxygen deprivation to this region during delivery can cause subluxation, altering brain-body communication pathways.
- Induction: Artificially initiating or augmenting labor through medication can lead to stronger, more painful contractions. This intense uterine activity can force a baby into compromised positions and put added strain on their head, neck and spine as they navigate the birth canal. The combination of awkward fetal positioning and exaggerated contractions increases the risk of neurological strain and injury.
- Cesarean Section (C-Section): While certainly called for in situations of true medical necessity, C-sections have become alarmingly overused, now accounting for about 1 in 3 US births. Even in the absence of physical pulling and twisting, a C-section baby misses out on the critical gradual molding and squeezing that occurs during a vaginal birth. This process, while intense, actually helps to activate and prime the baby’s nervous system for life outside the womb. Without it, a newborn may have disorganized primitive reflexes and neurological signaling.
- Forceps and Vacuum Extraction: When a baby is having trouble advancing through the birth canal, doctors may resort to extraction tools like metal forceps or a vacuum suction cup attached to the baby’s head. The twisting and pulling forces exerted can be tremendous, causing musculoskeletal misalignment and direct nerve damage. The upper neck and brainstem region are especially vulnerable to injury from this type of traction.
The trauma from these birth injuries can disrupt normal neurological function and development, contributing to subluxation, dysautonomia, poor vagus nerve tone, sensory processing issues, developmental delays, chronic pain, digestive problems, and so much more.
Causes and Risk Factors of a Traumatic Birth Experience
Birth trauma can occur due to a variety of factors, some of which may be unavoidable. However, understanding the common causes and risk factors can help parents and healthcare providers take steps to minimize the likelihood of birth trauma occurring.
Some of the most common causes of traumatic birth include:
- Difficult or prolonged labor: Labor that lasts longer than 18 hours can increase the risk of birth trauma due to the prolonged pressure on the baby’s head and neck.
- Fetal size: Larger babies (macrosomia) are at a higher risk of getting stuck in the birth canal, which can lead to birth injuries.
- Abnormal fetal position: Babies who are in a breech position (feet or buttocks first) or transverse position (sideways) are more likely to experience birth trauma.
- Instrumental delivery: The use of forceps or vacuum extractors for giving birth can increase the risk of birth trauma, particularly if used incorrectly.
- Precipitous labor: Very rapid labor, often defined as labor lasting less than 3 hours, can cause birth trauma due to the sudden and intense forces on the baby’s head and neck.
Some common risk factors for birth trauma include:
- Maternal factors:
- Advanced maternal age (over 35)
- Obesity
- Pelvic abnormalities or injuries
- Fetal factors:
- Prematurity
- High birth weight (over 4,000 grams)
- Multiple gestation (twins or triplets)
- Breech positioning
- Medical conditions:
- Gestational diabetes
- Preeclampsia
- Placenta previa
- Uterine rupture
Signs of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries and trauma can manifest in various ways, affecting both infants and mothers. For this reason, it’s essential for parents and healthcare providers to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms of birth trauma so that appropriate care and support can be provided while giving birth.
In Infants
Physical Signs of Birth Injuries
- Bruising, swelling, or lacerations on the head, face, or neck
- Fractured bones, particularly in the collarbone or skull
- Nerve damage, which may cause weakness or paralysis in certain body parts
- Difficulty breathing or feeding due to injury to the diaphragm or larynx
- Torticollis, plagiocephaly, and difficulty nursing
Neurological Signs of Birth Injuries
- Seizures
- Low muscle tone or reflexes
- Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking
- Abnormal eye movements or pupil response
- Frequent twitching, startling, or infantile spasms
Behavioral Signs of Birth Injuries
- Excessive crying or irritability (colic)
- Difficulty self-soothing or calming down
- Feeding difficulties, such as poor latch or refusal to feed
- Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling or staying asleep
In Mothers
Physical Signs of Birth Trauma
- Perineal trauma, such as tears or lacerations
- Incontinence (urinary or fecal)
- Persistent pain in the pelvis, back, or genital area
- Difficulty healing from C-section or episiotomy wounds
Emotional and Psychological Signs of Birth Trauma
- Postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns
- Flashbacks or nightmares related to the birth experience
- Avoidance of reminders of the birth, such as certain places or people
- Difficulty bonding with the baby or feeling disconnected
- Hypervigilance or excessive worry about the baby’s health
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy related to the birth experience
It’s important to note that not all infants or mothers who experience birth trauma will display all of these signs and symptoms. Some may have more subtle or delayed manifestations of birth trauma, which can appear weeks, months, or sadly even years after the birth.
Short and Long-Term Effects of Birth Trauma
Birth trauma can have far-reaching effects on both infants and mothers, impacting their physical, emotional, and neurological well-being.
Some short-term effects on infants can include:
- Difficulty breastfeeding or latching due to pain or injury
- Colic and digestive issues related to an immature or compromised nervous system
- Respiratory problems, such as apnea or labored breathing
- Increased risk of jaundice due to bruising or blood loss during delivery
Some long-term effects on infants can include:
- Developmental delays in motor skills, language, or social interaction
- Sensory processing disorders, which can affect how the child responds to stimuli
- Autism spectrum disorders, which may be more likely in children who experienced birth trauma
- Increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or learning difficulties
The effects of birth trauma can be complex and interconnected, with the autonomic nervous system playing a significant role in regulating an individual’s response to stress and trauma.
Birth Trauma, Subluxation, and Dysautonomia
The most easily overlooked aspect of birth trauma is that it can lead to something called subluxation, which is a neurological disruption that occurs when misalignments or dysfunctions within the spine create abnormal stress and interference with the nervous system.
When subluxation is present it kicks off a cascade of negative effects, starting with nervous system dysfunction, dysregulation, and over time a significant imbalance within the autonomic nervous system. This imbalance is known as dysautonomia, which is an underlying root cause of all sorts of chronic conditions that is grossly underestimated since no conventional medical testing looks for it.
When subluxation, dysautonomia, and nervous system dysregulation are present the first bodily systems affected are the essential functions such as digestion, motor planning, immune response, and social-emotional regulation. With the nervous system stuck in sympathetic dominance and sensory overload, children who suffer from birth trauma are often thrown off track developmentally.
Birth Trauma and The Vagus Nerve
When subluxation occurs within the brainstem and neurospinal system, it can affect the function of the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in regulating the autonomic nervous system.
Just like the terms discussed above, vagus nerve dysfunction is a grossly overlooked reality of birth trauma, and it can lead to all sorts of health and development challenges in infants, toddlers, and children.
Vagus nerve injuries and dysfunction lead to dysautonomia and an an imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, resulting in a wide range of symptoms, such as:
- Difficulty regulating heart rate and blood pressure
- Digestive issues, including reflux, constipation, or diarrhea
- Respiratory problems, such as asthma or chronic cough
- Sensory processing difficulties or heightened sensitivity to stimuli
- Emotional dysregulation or difficulty self-soothing
By addressing subluxation and supporting the function of the vagus nerve, Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care can help restore balance to the autonomic nervous system and promote healing from the negative effects of birth trauma.
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care for Birth Trauma
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is a safe and drug-free approach to addressing the negative effects of birth trauma and its related symptoms. By identifying and addressing subluxation, nervous system dysfunction, and dysautonomia, this specialized form of chiropractic care can help restore proper balance and regulation within the nervous system.
The benefits of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care for infants and mothers affected by birth trauma may include:
- Improved breastfeeding and digestion in infants
- Better sleep and reduced colic or irritability in babies
- Enhanced immune function and fewer respiratory issues
- Improved motor development and coordination
- Natural support for postpartum depression and anxiety in mothers
- Better mental health, emotional regulation and stress resilience
Chiro Miracle Man
I provided neurologically-focused, tonal adjustments to Oliver’s nervous system multiple times per day during his 6-week NICU stay post-birth trauma. Then, once home, I adjusted him daily for months on end.
As an infant, he was not in the clear from the consequences of birth trauma. He struggled with every cold, seasonal change, teething, and growth spurt. Each time, he’d get congested and have to battle through croup and RSV.
We had already gotten him off all seizure medications before we left the hospital, so the last thing we wanted to do was turn to these run of medications for his immune system and leave him with immune suppression and weakness for life.
We fought through. And we made it through!
That picture was taken as we visited the same NICU that saved his life to help support and care for another infant and family in need a few years back.
Oliver never had another seizure. His EEG and MRI completely cleared up. His cardiac and respiratory function is 100% perfect. His digestive and immune systems are as strong as a bull (we live on a farm). His entire brain and neurodevelopment have also been on point!
He loves God, is an A+ student, an amazing athlete, and the most humble, heart-centered, and helpful kid out there! He’s our Chiro Miracle Man!
Promoting Healing and Resilience after Birth Trauma
Birth trauma is a complex and often overlooked issue that can have significant impacts on the health and well-being of infants and mothers. By understanding the causes, risk factors, and potential effects of birth trauma, parents and healthcare providers can work together to promote healing and resilience.
If you or your child has experienced birth trauma, know that you are not alone and that there is hope for healing. Visit the PX Docs Directory to find a qualified Neurologically-Focused Family Chiropractor near you and take the first step towards promoting optimal physical and mental health and resilience for your family.
