The Signs of Birth Injury You Should Be Aware Of

Every parent looks forward to a smooth and safe delivery. But sometimes, things don’t go as planned. A birth injury happens when a baby is hurt just before, during, or shortly after birth. Some injuries heal quickly, but others may affect the child for a long time. That’s why it’s essential to know the signs and act fast.

Let’s dive in:

What Causes a Birth Injury?

Birth injuries can happen for several reasons, often due to what happens during labor or delivery. Some of the common causes include:

• Lack of oxygento the baby’s brain during birth.
• Improper use of delivery tools, such as forceps or vacuum extractors.
• Failure to perform a C-section on time, especially in emergencies.
• Mishandling of high-risk pregnancies, such as breech births.
• Failure to notice fetal distress, such as abnormal heart rate.

Many of these injuries happen because of mistakes or delays in care. In the U.S., around 7 in every 1,000 babies are affected by birth injuries each year. Knowing and understanding common birth injury symptoms is the key to preventing them. These signs may show up right after birth or take time to appear.

Early Signs in Newborns

Some symptoms of birth injury are noticeable within hours or days of birth. Here are the major early signs:

Physical Signs

• Bruising or swelling, especially on the baby’s head or face.
• Fractures or broken bones, particularly the collarbone or arm.
• Limp limbs or poor movement, like a baby not moving one arm at all.

Muscle Tone Problems

• Hypotonia (floppy muscles)or hypertonia (very stiff muscles)
• The baby feels unusually loose or stiff when held.
• They are having trouble holding their head up.

Neurological Signs

• Seizuresthat begin in the first 48 hours of life.
• Poor or absent reflexes, such as sucking, grasping, or the startle (Moro) reflex.
• Excessive crying, fussiness, or the baby seems sleepy and hard to wake.

Feeding Issues

• Trouble sucking, swallowing, or latchingonto the breast or bottle.
• Frequent vomitingor trouble gaining weight.
• Takes too long to feed or refuses to feed completely.

Signs That Show Up Later

Some birth injuries are not apparent right away. They may become clearer as the child grows and misses essential milestones. Watch for:

Motor Skill Delays

• Not sitting, crawling, or walkingat expected ages.
• Seems weak or clumsy.
• Uses one side of the body more than the other, like always reaching with one hand.

Cognitive and Social Delays

• Doesn’t smile, make eye contact, or respondto sounds by a certain age.
• Trouble learning new things or following instructions.
• Delayed speech developmentor difficulty forming words.

Muscle Development Issues

• Arms or legs feel too tight or too loose.
• The baby makes jerky or uneven movements.
• Baby avoids moving one part of the body.

Long-Term Conditions Linked to Birth Injuries

Some children who suffer birth injuries are later diagnosed with long-term medical issues. These include:

Cerebral Palsy: A condition that affects muscle tone, balance, and movement. May also cause problems with speech, vision, and thinking.

Erb’s Palsy (Brachial Plexus Injury): Happens when nerves in the shoulder are stretched or torn. Causes weakness or paralysis in one arm.

Seizure Disorders or Epilepsy: Due to brain damage during birth. May require medication or lifelong management.

Developmental Delays: Trouble learning, talking, or doing everyday tasks. May need special education or therapy.

Hearing or Vision Problems: May develop slowly over time. Might need hearing aids or glasses.

What You Can Do

If you notice something unusual with your child’s behavior, growth, or movements, here’s what you should do:

1. Document Symptoms: Write down what you see, when it happens, and how often. Keep track of missed milestones or unusual behaviors.
2. Seek Medical Help: Talk to your pediatrician about your concerns. Ask for a referral to a specialist, such as a pediatric neurologist or therapist.
3. Consider Legal Support: If a doctor or nurse made a mistake, a birth injurylawyer can help. Legal action can help with medical bills, therapy costs, and long-term care.
4. Find Support Services: Look for early intervention programs in your area. These offer physical therapy, speech therapy, and educational support. Join a support group for families dealing with similar issues.

Wrapping Up

Birth injuries can be severe, but knowing the signs early can help your child get the care they need. Every detail matters, from bruising and feeding trouble to missed milestones and long-term conditions. Keep observing, trust your instincts, and seek help when needed.