Birth injuries occur at the time of delivery and are not always easy to recognize. Some symptoms are evident immediately after birth (most commonly in the delivery room), while others show up over a matter of weeks or months as babies grow. Early recognition of symptoms gives parents the opportunity to act quickly and get the support needed. In this article you will find some common signs of birth injury, and how to deal with them.
Weak Crying and Unusual Lethargy
If you have an infant whose cry is continuously weak and who seems to be more sleepy than usual, this could be a sign of neurological stress or an injury due to lack of oxygen during delivery. If your baby has difficulty being roused or displays less than expected levels of alertness in the first few days, bring it to the attention of your pediatrician immediately.
Breathing and Feeding Difficulty
Difficulty breathing, repeated choking or inability to suck or swallow could indicate injury/nerve damage to the brain or nerves. When you see any of these symptoms, it is important not to dismiss them as just typical newborn adjustments. Instead, you need a thorough evaluation by a qualified medical professional as soon as possible.
Abnormal Muscle Tone
Extremely rigid or floppy limbs may be evidence of nerve injury or impaired muscle control. These symptoms may appear during early infancy as limited arm movement (holding one side tightly), favoring a specific side, or poor control of the head.
Developmental Delays
Missing certain milestones such as ability to roll over, sit up, and crawl can signal a need for further evaluation. While every child grows at their own pace, there are some milestones that all children should reach within a certain amount of time.
If your child demonstrates any delay in these milestones consistently, consider seeking additional information and possibly early intervention services. If you are unsure of whether your child is experiencing developmental delays, do not compare them to others. Instead, get the opinion of your pediatrician.
Seizures and Abnormal Movements
Seizures and abnormal movements can be a cause for concern for parents of newborns. Many parents wonder if they should seek immediate medical care for abnormal movements like jerking, twitching, or tremors in their infants. These movements may indicate potential brain injury during childbirth. Immediate attention is critical for identifying and addressing the underlying cause of these symptoms.
What to Do Next
Document the abnormal movements you have observed and, if applicable, discuss them with your pediatrician. The earlier a medical evaluation is performed on your infant and, if needed, therapy is initiated, the better your child’s outcome will likely be.
You may also explore your options for legal action against the medical personnel involved in the childbirth process, especially when nerve damage is suspected, by filing a claim for a brachial plexus birth injury settlements to help cover the long-term costs associated with your child’s ongoing care.
If you have questions about your infant, do not hesitate to contact their doctor. Trust your instincts; If there is something ‘off’ about your child, asking questions is always better than waiting.
Endnote
Identifying the warning signs of a birth injury as early as possible will help to ensure that the child has a maximum potential for achieving optimal long-term health and development. By obtaining timely medical treatment, documenting all relevant information, and seeking legal help, families can help to manage their child’s medical challenges as they develop.
Knowing and understanding the medical and legal options available when the injuries were potentially preventable will allow parents to limit the difficulties associated with the injury in the future.