What Are the Warning Signs of a Birth Injury That You Need to Look Out For?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that approximately seven out of every 1,000 babies born in the United States experience birth injuries. Some birth injuries are immediately noticeable, while others may not become clear until days or even months after birth. Did you know that one of the most frequent types of birth injury is brain damage caused by insufficient oxygen, often referred to as asphyxiation?

Birth asphyxia lawyer Stephen B. Goethel says as parents, you should be aware of the signs of a birth injury. These signs could include things like difficulty breathing, poor muscle tone, or trouble feeding, as well as developmental delays as your child grows.

Learn more about these signs so you can act quickly and give your child proper medications.

Unusual Bruising or Swelling

If you notice any unusual bruising or swelling, take the newborn child to the doctor right away to ensure there’s no birth trauma. Mild bruises are common during birth, but severe bruises or swelling may indicate a concern. Check the head, face, and eyes for birth injury.

Bruising and swelling could be signs of an injury to the nerves or bones. Your child should be seen by a doctor or nurse for these injuries, as they might not be easily noticeable. Finding and addressing problems early can lead to better results and help avoid complications down the line.

According to a medical malpractice lawyer from Sigelman & Associates, if you believe that medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery caused your child's injury, the best move is to hire an attorney to help you deal with the legal process.

Your lawyer can assess if medical practitioners provided negligent care that resulted in the injuries.  He or she will analyze medical records, consult specialists, and gather evidence that could help strengthen your case. 

Difficulty Breathing

If your newborn is having trouble breathing, it is important to seek medical attention to evaluate and address any birth-related concerns. An infant having trouble breathing may display signs such as rapid or labored breaths, flaring nostrils, grunting noises, or skin that looks pale or bluish. It could indicate respiratory distress syndrome, meconium aspiration syndrome, pneumonia, or other challenges related to breathing at birth.

In some cases, difficulty breathing could be a result of a birth injury, such as a fractured collarbone or a brachial plexus injury affecting the ability to breathe properly. Immediate medical intervention is important. Contact your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room for a thorough evaluation and timely intervention. 

Abnormal Muscle Tone

Abnormal muscle tone in a newborn may suggest birth trauma and should be assessed by medical specialists immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Check your baby's muscles—are they rigid or floppy? Hypotonia and hypertonia—overly relaxed or tense muscles—may indicate underlying disorders.

If your baby's limbs seem unusually rigid or limp, it could be a red flag. Hypertonia may make movements appear jerky or exaggerated, while hypotonia could result in poor head control or difficulty feeding. These abnormalities in muscle tone might suggest neurological problems, such as cerebral palsy, or damage to the brain or nerves during birth.

Seizures or Tremors

Seizures or tremors in a newborn may indicate birth injuries that need prompt medical intervention. Seizures are brain electrical activity that causes jerking, gazing, or rigidity. Neurological issues may cause tremors and rhythmic movements that affect several body regions.

These symptoms could be indicative of birth injuries such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), brain hemorrhage, or other conditions that occurred during labor or delivery. It's crucial to seek medical help promptly if you observe seizures or tremors in your newborn to prevent further complications and ensure proper treatment.

In some cases, these symptoms may resolve on their own, but it's essential to have a healthcare professional evaluate your baby to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate care. 

Delayed Development Milestones

If your newborn isn't meeting expected developmental milestones, it may indicate health issues. Developmental milestones are the milestones through which a child develops movement, communication, and social skills. These milestone delays may signal underlying issues that need to be addressed. 

If your baby is not making eye contact, smiling back at you, or babbling by around 6 months, it might be a sign of delayed development that you should pay attention to. Similarly, if they are not able to sit up on their own by 8 months or have not said a word by 12 months, it may lead to a closer look at their development.

Delayed developmental milestones may indicate birth traumas or neurological problems that require immediate treatment. Physicians and specialists can diagnose these problems and intervene to help your child develop.

Conclusion

If you notice any of these warning signs in your newborn, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Birth injuries can have long-term consequences, so early detection and intervention are important. 

Remember, if you notice any of these signs, don't hesitate to consult a medical negligence lawyer; they can help you determine the factors that possibly caused your child's birth injury.