Local Law Firms Home > Medical Malpractice Overview > Birth Defects > Infant Hematoma An infant hematoma can happen when the infant’s head sustains a serious injury. It is the result of a collection of blood in the area between the outer layer and middle portions that cover the brain. It is most commonly the result of torn, bleeding veins on the inside of the dura as a result of an impact to the head. Birthing devices including a vacuum extractor, both plastic and metal may also result in infant hematoma. Throughout the past few years, the Food and Drug Administration has received reports of 12 fatalities and nine severe injuries among babies on who vacuum assisted delivery devices were implemented. It is approximated that use of vacuum assisted delivery devices increased from 3.5 percent of all births to 5.9 percent throughout the past four years.
Infant hematomas can also be the result of pressure accumulated during labor, and then a release of that pressure as the newborn comes through the birth canal. The severity of an infant hematoma depends on the size. Tinier ones are not viewed as that severe and blood in the brain is normally absorbed during the weeks following delivery. It is the more major hematomas that parents must be worried about. If bleeding does not diminish or if blood is not drained from the brain, death can be the result. Did you know? |