Can Jaundice Be Caused by Birth Trauma?

Jaundice is an extremely common condition in newborns, occurring in approximately 60% of full-term babies and 80% of babies born prematurely. Jaundice occurs when a person’s liver isn’t able to get rid of bilirubin, a substance naturally produced by the breakdown of red blood cells, as quickly as it needs to. The high levels of bilirubin then cause skin and eyes to take on a yellowed appearance. 

Although jaundice can occur in adults, it’s most common in newborns because blood cells typically break down more quickly in newborns than they do in adults, which produces high levels of bilirubin. But since newborns often don’t have livers developed enough to be able to keep up with that kind of bilirubin production yet, the built-up bilirubin turns into jaundice. As long as jaundice is treated in a timely manner, it typically doesn’t cause any long-term health complications. 

Even though jaundice is very common, it can potentially be linked to other underlying health conditions, such as issues with the liver or an infection, or even an injury sustained around the time of birth. Infants who were born with significant bruising or had deliveries that involved forceps or vacuum assistance can have an increased risk of developing jaundice. While it’s not unusual for babies to be born with some degree of bruising because of the pressure involved in the delivery process, complicated births can potentially result in more significant bruising. The reason why bruising can be a problem is because it adds to the breakdown of red blood cells and, in turn, increases the production of bilirubin. 

In cases where birth-assisting tools are used, something similar can happen because of a condition called cephalohematoma. A cephalohematoma occurs when pressure on the scalp causes blood vessels to break and results in blood pooling between the skull and the scalp. 

In some cases, failing to treat jaundice in time can cause significant health issues for the child. Kernicterus is a condition marked by dangerously high levels of bilirubin and can lead to complications like hearing loss and permanent brain damage. 

Contact a Michigan Birth Trauma Lawyer

If you have any reason at all to believe that your child might have been injured around the time of birth, it’s important to contact a birth trauma lawyer who can help you find out what went wrong. Birth injury cases are often medical malpractice cases and having someone on your side who knows the law can help you get the justice your family deserves. At Scott Goodwin Law, we’ve helped other families who have been in your position. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation. Even if your child is a few years old, you might still have legal options.

Image: iStock / Traida