The South’s Birth Injury Report

In this meta-analysis, experienced birth injury lawyers explore the prevalence of birth injuries in the Southern states, focusing on associated risk factors like premature births. In the United States, approximately 7 out of every 1,000 babies experience birth injuries, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention efforts.

Pre-term birth rates in the Southern states are higher than the national average due to poor prenatal care, abortion restrictions, and common health issues in mothers like diabetes.

The South’s Birth Injury Report explores the challenges and health disparities mothers face in the South during childbirth.

Regional Trends and Disparities for Premature Births

In 2023, 10.4% of live births in the U.S. were pre-term, meaning 1 in 10 babies were born prematurely. However, racial disparities and regional factors contribute to higher rates of pre-term births, particularly among African American mothers in southern states, mainly in rural areas.

Southern U.S. States Have High Pre-Term Birth Rates

In the Southern states, pre-term birth rates are higher than the national average due to several factors. Many women in these areas face poor or inadequate prenatal care, which can lead to complications during pregnancy. Abortion restrictions in some states also contribute to higher risks for both the mother and baby.

Environmental factors like air pollution and extreme heat can negatively impact health during pregnancy. Additionally, environmental racism, which affects access to clean air and safe living conditions, plays a role in these disparities.

Chronic health issues among mothers, such as diabetes (28.8%), hypertension (23.3%), and obesity, also increase the likelihood of pre-term births in these regions. Together, these factors create a higher risk of pre-term births in the South.

Racial Disparities in Pre-Term Births

Racial disparities in pre-term births are a significant issue in the United States. Our research shows that Black and American Indian women are more likely to experience pre-term births compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

According to a recent study by the March of Dimes, the majority of pre-term births in the U.S. are seen among the following groups:

• Black (14.7%)
• American Indian (12.4%)
• Hispanic (10.1%)
• White (9.5%)
• Asian (9.4%)

In many Southern states, these groups experience significantly higher rates of premature births. This may be linked to factors such as limited access to quality healthcare, higher rates of chronic health conditions, and socioeconomic challenges.

The Main Risk Factors for Birth Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 3,591,328 babies born in the United States in 2023, from which 25,139 had a birth injury. Birth injuries can happen when complications arise during labor and delivery that harm the baby.

Babies born prematurely, in multiples (like twins or triplets), or larger than average-sized babies have a higher risk of birth injuries. Their size or early delivery can lead to complications during birth, making injuries more likely.

Pre-Term Births

Pre-term births, also known as premature births, occur when babies are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. A typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, so babies born earlier than this may not be fully developed.

Premature babies often face health challenges because their organs and systems may not be fully matured. These babies may require special care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to help them grow and develop. The earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of complications.

Multiples and Oversized Babies

Multiples such as twins and triplets and oversized babies (over 9 pounds) have a higher risk of birth injuries due to complications like premature birth, awkward positioning, and difficult delivery. Oversized babies, in particular, may face injuries such as shoulder dystocia or fractures.

Maternal Factors

Women aged 25–34 are at a higher risk of experiencing a birth injury, particularly when assistive delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors are used. Complications during labor, such as prolonged delivery or the baby being in an awkward position, increase the need for these tools. When used incorrectly, assistive tools can cause harm to both the mother and the baby.

The Most Common Types of Birth Injuries

Premature births significantly increase the risk of developing birth injuries due to the baby’s underdeveloped organs and systems. Analyzing data from multiple sources, we have identified the most common types of birth injuries in premature babies:

• Cerebral Palsy: A condition that impacts the part of the brain responsible for controlling muscles, leading to problems with movement, balance, and posture.  Individuals with Cerebral Palsy may also experience challenges with speech, fine motor skills, and swallowing.
• Erb‘s Palsy (Brachial Plexus Injury): A condition that paralyzes or weakens your arm and shoulder. Also known as Brachial Plexus Injury.
• Cephalohematoma: Bleeding between the scalp and outside of the skull occurs due to pressure or trauma put on the head.
• Intracranial Hemorrhaging: Bleeding in and around the brain, typically caused by ruptured blood vessels.
• Asphyxia: Asphyxia occurs when a newborn experiences a lack of oxygen during or shortly after birth. Oxygen deprivation can cause serious brain damage and may lead to long-term health problems, including developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and other neurological disorders.

Premature birth can lead to further long-term complications such as neurological disorders, behavior problems, learning disabilities, asthma, dental issues, vision problems, and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.

Early intervention and ongoing care can help manage these effects, but many premature babies will require long-term support.

Addressing the Root Causes of Birth Injuries in the South

The Southern states face significant challenges when it comes to birth injuries and pre-term births.

The higher rates of premature births in this region put both mothers and babies at greater risk for complications during labor and delivery. Racial disparities, especially among African American and American Indian populations, further exacerbate these risks.

The meta-analysis by our birth injury lawyers in Atlanta, GA, underlines that premature infants in the South are more likely to suffer from serious birth injuries like cerebral palsy.

At John Foy & Associates, we aim to increase awareness of these ongoing issues to boost targeted intervention and improve the health outcomes for mothers and babies in the South.