Is the intelligence of a child delivered with difficulty (dystocia) lower?
Recently, I saw online claims that children delivered with difficulty (dystocia) using suction may have lower IQ. I would like to ask, do children delivered with difficulty using suction actually have lower IQ?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dystocia does not directly cause a reduction in the child's intelligence quotient (IQ).
The use of a vacuum extractor during dystocia to assist in delivering the baby is a method of obstetric assistance aimed at ensuring the safety of both mother and child. As long as the procedure is performed correctly, this method generally does not have a negative impact on the child's intellectual development.
An infant's intellectual development is primarily influenced by genetic and environmental factors, including early education, nutritional status, and family interaction. Dystocia may lead to complications during delivery, such as fetal hypoxia or intracranial hemorrhage, which are associated with abnormal brain development and could potentially affect intelligence. However, the occurrence of such complications depends on the severity of the dystocia and whether timely and effective medical interventions were implemented. Common injuries associated with vacuum extraction are mostly localized to the scalp, such as scalp trauma or cephalohematoma, which generally do not lead to intracranial complications.
If an infant experiences hypoxia or other complications during dystocia, subsequent medical monitoring and early intervention become especially important. This includes regular pediatric check-ups, necessary rehabilitation therapies, and early educational support, all of which can help promote comprehensive development.
