Rib Fractures in Newborns: Causes & Risks

Question
Is it possible for a child to break their ribs during birth?

Answer
Janee,


Well, it's possible, but not probable.  This could potentially happen if the birth attendant were to pull forcefully on the baby, especially if there was a shoulder dystocia (the shoulders stuck behind the pelvic bone) or other complication where the baby wasn't descending properly.


However, it's much more likely that the clavicle would be broken, not the ribs.  The largest diameter of the baby is the shoulders, so once they're through, there's little reason that the ribs would sustain an injury.


So, yes, it could be possible, but not likely to happen.




Best,
Catherine