Childbirth Problems—Brachial Plexus Injuries

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Damage to the brachial plexus can cause symptoms such as

A limp or paralyzed arm
Lack of muscle control in the arm, hand, or wrist
Lack of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand

Brachial plexus injuries can happen because of shoulder trauma, tumors, or inflammation. Sometimes they happen during childbirth when a baby’s shoulders become stuck during delivery and the nerves stretch or tear.

Some brachial plexus injuries may heal without treatment. Many children who are injured during birth improve or recover by 3 to 4 months of age. Treatment includes physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

While childbirth usually goes well, complications can happen. They can cause a risk to the mother, baby, or both. Possible complications include

Preterm (premature) labor, when labor starts before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy
Problems with the umbilical cord
Problems with the position of the baby, such as breech, in which the baby is going to come out feet first
Birth injuries

For some of these problems, the baby may need to be delivered surgically by a Cesarean section.