Can Babies Break Bones in the Womb?
Babies can break bones in the womb due to various causes. The majority of these fractures occur during labor, but there have been cases when a fetus breaks a bone in utero. Lets take a look at what causes these fractures, how they are diagnosed and their treatment.
Causes:
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- Abnormal presentation of the baby at birth, meaning the wrong part of the baby (i.e. the shoulder) is delivered before the head.
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- Live birth after a prior stillbirth or termination.
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- Instrumental birth (for example, using forceps or a vacuum).
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- Cranial trauma from another fetus during a multiple pregnancy.
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- Uterine abnormalities.
Diagnosis:
In cases where a baby sustains fractures during labor, the diagnosis is usually made shortly after delivery. In cases where a fetus breaks a bone in utero, the diagnosis can be difficult because the fracture is not always visible on ultrasound. Other tests such as a skeletal survey can be used to discover fractures.
Treatment:
Fractures in newborns will heal on their own with no treatment other than pain medicine if needed. It is important to monitor the infant for any signs of infection or improper healing. In rare cases where surgery is needed, the procedure is typically done soon after birth.
In conclusion, babies can break bones in the womb due to various causes. However, most of these fractures will heal with no treatment. It is important to be vigilant and monitor your baby for any signs of infection or improper healing.