Does a change in obstetric management influence the incidence of traumatic birth lesions in mature, otherwise healthy newborn infants?

AIM: The incidence of lesions due to birth trauma can be generally regarded as a characteristic of obstetric management; since obstetric management has changed through the years, one might expect a decrease or increase of lesions due to birth trauma in mature newborn infants.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, the incidence of lesions due to birth trauma was recorded in the year 2000. In 1989, an identical study had already been carried out in the same department, employing the same criteria. The new findings were compared with the historical data.

RESULTS

In the year 1989 24.6% and in 2000 13.2% showed lesions due to obstetric trauma. The episiotomy rate and lesions due to birth trauma had significantly decreased. A decline regarding the traumas per se was noticed in caput succedaneum traumas, in hematomas due to birth trauma and in clavicle fracture. The cesarean section rate among the study group increased. The cesarean section rate among the traumatized newborns decreased.

CONCLUSION

Episiotomy does not prevent newborns from traumatic lesions. Gestational age and birthweight have not significantly changed throughout the years; therefore an increase in the cesarean section rate must have contributed to the decrease of birth traumas. Even during abdominal operative delivery, obstetric traumas in newborns do occur. However, an increase in cesarean sections alone can not thoroughly explain the reduction of birth lesion among newborns. Improvement in prenatal diagnostic tools and procedures, respectively, and a goal-oriented use of labor induction might also play a major role.