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Updated: May 26, 2026
19:15
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Gender and birth trauma in full-term infants
Ido Linder1, Nir Melamed, Anna Kogan
1Department of Neonatology, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel.
Summary
Fetal gender is linked to specific birth injuries in full-term infants. Male infants face higher risks of scalp injuries, while female infants have increased risks of clavicle fractures.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Birth trauma is a significant concern in full-term neonates.
- Understanding risk factors, including fetal demographics, is crucial for prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between fetal gender and the occurrence of birth trauma in full-term infants.
- To identify if gender influences the type of birth trauma experienced.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort, case-control study design.
- Analysis of computerized birth-discharge records for singleton full-term neonates born between 1986-2009.
- Matching of cases with birth trauma to control neonates delivered immediately afterward in a 2:1 ratio.
Main Results:
- Overall birth trauma risk was not associated with fetal gender.
- Male fetal gender was a significant risk factor for scalp injury (OR=1.31).
- Female fetal gender was a significant risk factor for clavicle fracture (OR=1.27).
- These associations remained significant after adjusting for confounders like birth weight and delivery mode.
Conclusions:
- Fetal gender is a predisposing risk factor for specific types of birth trauma.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms for these gender-specific risks.
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