This Is How Common Birth Injuries Really Are: Updated 2024-2025 Statistics
Birth injuriesare preventable and should never happen. Sadly, however, thousands of birth injuries (also called birth trauma) continue to happen in the United States every year. Our updated analysis below illustrates the current prevalence of these devastating injuries and what expecting families need to know.
How Common Are Birth Injuries?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), birth injuries occur in about7 of every 1,000 babies born in the United States, which represents a significant increase from the previously reported 1.9 per 1,000 live births. Withapproximately 3.6 million births in the U.S. in 2024, this means over 25,000 infants may experience birth injuries annually.
The2024 preterm birth rate was 10.41%, unchanged from 2023, while approximately 8% of babies are born underweight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces). These conditions, while not necessarily birth injuries themselves, could be related tomedical malpracticeand may co-occur with injuries.
What Causes Birth Injuries?
Three common causes of preventable birth injuries include:
The CDC notes that birth injuries are a significant contributor to infant mortality, responsible for 20% of infant deaths annually, underscoring the critical need for improved delivery care and addressing preventable causes.
Most Common Types of Birth Injuries
Cerebral Palsy
Mayo Clinic reports that the most common cause of cerebral palsy is a brain injury that occurred during pregnancy or delivery. The CDC states that one in 345 American children havecerebral palsy (CP), which is a lifelong motor disability that can cause various complications:
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
The most common form of birth injury is brain damage from a lack of oxygen (asphyxiation). UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals definehypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)as a type of brain injury caused by the brain not getting enough oxygen. When this trauma happens during labor or delivery, cerebral palsy is one of the most common conditions that develop as a result.
HIE is also called oxygen deprivation or intrapartum asphyxia and often causes significant cognitive or developmental delays or motor impairments.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
Volpe's Neurology of the Newborn states thatbrachial plexus injurieshappen in less than 1% of births. This trauma occurs when the cervical nerve roots get stretched during delivery, usually affecting one side of the body, impacting one arm and shoulder. Some brachial plexus trauma results in total paralysis of the arm.
Common Locations of Birth Trauma
Head Injuries
The head, neck, and shoulders are the most common locations where birth injuries occur. Common types of traumatic head injuries include:
Some head injuries from birth trauma resolve independently, but others can cause:
Birth trauma head injuries occur more frequently withforceps-assistedor vacuum-assisted deliveries. StatPearls reports that subgaleal hemorrhages occur in only 4 of 10,000 spontaneous vaginal deliveries compared to 59 out of 10,000 vacuum-assisted deliveries—nearly 15 times higher.
Birth Injury Statistics: A Focus on Maryland
Maryland's Infant Mortality Rate
In 2021, the Maryland infant mortality rate was 6.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, an increase of seven percent from the 2020 rate of 5.7 deaths per 1,000 live births. However, more recent data shows improvement, withMaryland's infant mortality rate at 6.0 per 1,000 live births in 2022.
While this represents progress, Maryland's rate remains above the national average and significantly higher than the best-performing states. In 2022, 15 states met the Healthy People 2030 target of 5.0 infant deaths or less per 1,000 live births.
Cesarean Section Rates in Maryland
The cesarean delivery rate slightlyincreased nationally to 32.4% in 2024, from 32.3% in 2023. Primary cesarean delivery rates increased among mothers ages 30–34 and 35–39 in 2024.
Cesarean delivery can be essential to protect mother and baby from dangerous labor complications. However, for mothers giving birth to a single baby that is head-first and at term (37+ weeks), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does not recommend elective C-sections because they are linked to higher rates of neonatal complications.
Risks of unnecessary C-sections to babies include:
Rural vs. Urban Disparities
Birth trauma occurs most often in rural areas. The rate of infant mortality improvements are not equal across Maryland, with parents in urban areas much less likely to experience tragic losses. Factors contributing to rural disparities include:
Parents-to-be in rural Maryland may need to work harder to ensure they receive necessary care during pregnancy and delivery, especially when complications arise.
Can Birth Injuries Be Prevented?
The good news is that StatPearls reports a decrease in birth injuries over recent decades, correlating with decreased use of instruments like forceps and vacuum devices in deliveries over the last 30 years.
Three critical steps doctors can take to prevent birth injuries:
The Critical Importance of Experienced Legal Representation
Birth injury settlements significantly exceed average malpractice payouts, often reaching $1 million or higher, representing awards 30% higher than typical medical malpractice claims. This reflects the severe, lifelong impact these preventable injuries have on children and families. However, securing maximum compensation requires attorneys with proven expertise in these complex medical cases.
Many neonatal deaths and injuries are caused by medical mistakes, including:
The more expectant parents communicate with their doctors before labor, the more they can plan for potential challenges and advocate for appropriate care. When medical negligence does occur, having the right legal team can make the difference between financial hardship and securing your child's future.
Get the Experienced Legal Help Your Family Deserves
If your child was injured during the labor and delivery process, don't trust your family's future to just any attorney. Choose the firm with theproven track record, specialized expertise, and resources needed to take on major hospitals and insurance companies.
AtBrown & Barron, we have the experience, credentials, and commitment needed to secure the compensation your family deserves. With over $175 million recovered for clients and 145+ years of combined trial experience, we know how to build winning cases and deliver results.
Call us 24/7 at (410) 886-6621 to schedule a free consultation or reach out online. When your child's future is at stake, experience matters—and we have the proven track record to deliver the justice your family deserves.