Frequency and Patterns of Obstetrical Injuries Presenting to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar

Background: Obstetrical injuries remain an important cause of neonatal morbidity and may result in different forms of physical trauma during labour and delivery. Early identification of these injuries are necessary for appropriate management and improved neonatal outcome. Objective: To determine the frequency and patterns of obstetrical injuries among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: This study was conducted from 15th December 2024 to 15th May 2025 in the Department of Paediatrics, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Methodology: A total of 217 neonates aged 1–28 days of either gender admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were included. Neonates with major congenital anomalies, non-obstetrical trauma, sepsis, bleeding disorders and procedure-related injuries were excluded. Detailed clinical assessment and relevant radiological investigations were performed to identify obstetrical injuries and their patterns. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26. Results: Mean age was 7.86±5.88 days and mean weight was 3.07±0.76 kilograms. Male neonates were 111(51.2%) and female were 106(48.8%). Obstetrical injuries were found in 54(24.9%) neonates. Cephalohaematoma was the most common injury, seen in 28(51.9%), followed by caput succedaneum in 16(29.6%). Ecchymosis and skin laceration were each observed in 11(20.4%), while clavicular fracture and other bone fractures were present in 7(13.0%) each. Conclusion: Obstetrical injuries were common among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Cephalohaematoma and caput succedaneum were the most frequent injuries.