Some people mistakenly assume birth defects are the same as birth injuries, especially when the infant experiences brain damage. However, birth defects are various conditions that develop as the baby grows.
Birth defects can be caused by the mother’s behavior, such as drinking, using drugs, or smoking. They can also be caused by pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or obesity.
In addition, a family history of birth defects can increase their risks. Even having a bacterial or viral infection before birth could cause a birth defect. Furthermore, a woman giving birth at an older age could result in birth defects.
A birth injury, or birth trauma, is defined as “an impairment of the neonate’s body function or structure due to an adverse event that occurred at birth,” according to the National Vital Statics Report. Birth injuries are caused due to some form of mechanical or outside force during birth and range in severity.