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Is Birth Trauma Reaching Epidemic Proportions?

Forceps. Vacuum extraction. C-section. Epidural. Technologically advanced tools to assist in the birth process, or… instruments and procedures that can spell disaster in terms of the newborn?

Birth has been a natural process since the beginning of time, yet artificial “advancements,” some of which the long-term effects on the newborn are unknown, have become routine birth habits. Many of these affect the newborn in subtle ways at first, but set him or her up for a lifetime of stress on the spine and nervous system if they remain undetected and unresolved.

The following situations/procedures may contribute to birth trauma in the newborn:

• Excessive alcohol consumption/drug use during pregnancy
  
  
• Smoking, either maternal or second hand – may cause low birth weight and premature delivery
  
  
• Use of prescription/over-the-counter drugs – most drug studies do not assess the effects on the developing baby, some of which could have long-term effects on the newborn
  
  
• Prenatal ultrasound testing – associated with delayed speech and dyslexia in children
  
  
• Forceps and vacuum extraction - extremely traumatic to the baby and may result in significant brain injury
  
  
• Use of internal fetal monitors - raise the risk of C-section by 25%
  
  
• Inducing labour, administration of pain medications and restricting maternal delivery position – may cause difficulty in labour and lead to complications and/or further birth interference

Spinal cord and brain stem injuries are common during the birth process, yet they often evade diagnosis and immediate initial treatment. Breathing difficulties in the newborn often indicate such injuries and neurological difficulties may begin immediately at birth as a result.

We urge expectant and new parents to speak to us about the importance of having your newborn’s spine checked so that spinal misalignments, resulting from birth trauma, can be detected and resolved. This will allow your infant’s central nervous system to develop properly and allow your infant to reach age-appropriate milestones on schedule.