A possible consequence of childbirth is tailbone damage. It is frequently produced by pressure from the baby’s head as it travels down the delivery canal, particularly in the later stages of active labor.
The coccyx, often known as the tailbone, is found at the base of the birth canal. When the infant emerges through the birth canal, he or she immediately touches the coccyx. The build-up pressure can cause bruising, dislocation, or even tailbone fracture when the infant goes through the birth canal. If you have suffered from a tailbone injury during birth, get legal advice today and figure out what you can do.
How common is tailbone injury during birth?
Tailbone damage is more prevalent after lengthy or difficult labor, especially when forceps or vacuum delivery remove the infant from the birth canal. These problems are also among the most prevalent causes of birth injury.
Like other birth injuries, a tailbone injury can be prevented if labor and delivery personnel take the necessary precautions. However, if doctors and other healthcare workers are careless, the mother and infant may face major consequences.
Causes of tailbone injury during childbirth
When the infant travels through the birth canal and comes into touch with the coccyx, he or she suffers a tailbone injury. If the mother’s tailbone is appropriately positioned, it will stretch backward, enabling the baby to pass safely through.
Some women, however, have their tailbones locked forward, forcing the baby to come through forcefully. This pressure can dislocate the tailbone, causing muscular spasms and pelvic floor discomfort.
Several factors can contribute to a tailbone injury during delivery, including:
- More than 8 pounds and 13 ounces at birth
- Face-up birth presentation, which causes the back of the baby’s skull to press on the mother’s tailbone.
- Medical malpractice
- Labor that is difficult or complex
- Utilization of forceps or vacuum extractors
- Pelvis that is too small or too narrow
Furthermore, if a woman has previously broken her tailbone, she is more likely to have another tailbone injury during birth or experience other catastrophic birth difficulties.
Symptoms and treatment for tailbone injury during birth
Most women who suffer a tailbone injury during delivery hear a snap or a popping sound. While the tailbone is damaged, there is generally sensitivity and discomfort, which is exacerbated while seated.
If a tailbone injury at delivery is suspected, your doctor will examine the region for any visible fractures, deformities, masses, or infections. They will next do an internal and external rectal exam and maybe request X-rays to confirm the damage.
