Nurses performing initial and ongoing early assessments on newborns need to be aware of and question signs and symptoms of birth trauma. The neonate can have pain, impaired mobility, or respiratory distress because of these injuries.

The more serious consequences of birth trauma can lead to seizures and coma. Edema, bruising, immobility, or abnormal movement can be related to both common and life-threatening birth injuries.

respiratory distress — a state when the increased efforts of breathing cannot meet ventilation and oxygenation demands. birth trauma — (also, birth injury) any physical injury to a newborn caused by labor and delivery. neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) — occurs when the newborn has been exposed to drugs, legal or illegal, that are no longer available, resulting in withdrawal. psychosocial assessment — assessment to determine a family's mental health and social well-being; is performed by a social worker prior to discharge to identify and support any social or financial needs….