Prevalence,types, and risk factors of birth trauma among neonates at al-ramadi maternity and children teaching hospital, Western Iraq

Abstract

Background: Birth traumacommonly occurs in the 2nd stage of labor due to forces of labor,contraction, twisting, traction of neonates through birth canalor as a sequel of obstetric intervention.The aim of current study was to assess the prevalence,types and risk factors predisposing for birth trauma among newborn babies atAl-Ramadi Maternity and Children Teaching Hospital,western Iraq. Methods: A case-control study conducted atAl Ramadi Maternity and Children Teaching Hospital, west of Iraq from October 2014 to February 2015. Neonates with birth trauma were involved and compared with other normal neonates as controls. Collected data included gender of neonate, birth weight, gestational age, occipito-Frontal Circumference, maternal age, residence, antenatal care maternalHypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, parity, plurality and mode of delivery.Results: The prevalence rate of birth trauma was 17.47 per 1000 live births. Male sex, LBW, overweight, prematurity, post-term babies, macrocephaly, maternal age, primigravida, irregular ANC, twin pregnancy, maternal diabetic, instrumental deliveries were significantly correlated with birth trauma. However, residence and maternal hypertensionwere found to be not associated with birth trauma. Cephalohematoma, Intraventricular Haemorrhage, subdural hematoma, soft tissue injuries, Erb's palsy were also causes of birth trauma. Conclusion: Birth trauma had remarkably high prevalence among newborn babies in our population. Early identification of fetal and maternal predisposing factors, enhancement of practical skills of birth attendants with elective caesarian deliveries for high risk pregnancies can reduce birth trauma.