Some delayed signs of birth injuries

Tragically, some babies in Ohio suffer birth injuries. Those injuries can either be mild and temporary or severe and permanent. There are some where the signs are obvious immediately, and others where the symptoms present down the road.

What are birth injuries?

Birth injuries are injuries a baby sustains during labor or childbirth. If there are complications during labor or delivery, it can result in an injury such as brain damage. However, in many cases, the injuries aren’t immediately apparent and it could take months or even years before the child shows signs and symptoms. Birth injuries are often difficult to diagnose in infants.

However, if it’s suspected that a baby might have a birth injury, it’s important to be proactive and look for the signs.

What are some signs of birth injuries?

After a baby is born, there may be certain signs and symptoms that show they might have suffered a birth injury. Injuries frequently occur when the mother’s labor and childbirth are difficult and the doctor uses assistive measures to help. Forceps and vacuum extraction are two of the most commonly-used tools that can result in birth injuries. The baby might have a noticeable bruise, abrasion or swelling of the head, face or shoulders.

A baby that has seizures shortly after birth may have birth injuries. If seizures occur within as little as 48 hours of childbirth, it’s a sign that the child may have suffered a brain injury or may develop a condition like cerebral palsy.

Babies that require assistive breathing with a tube or CPR often have birth injuries. Infants who don’t have such injuries should immediately start breathing on their own after birth.

Another sign of birth injuries in babies is their limbs, especially the arms, going limp.

In some cases, a baby might have delayed signs of a birth injury. This often happens with cerebral palsy, which might not show until the baby is a year old. If your child shows developmental delays in typical milestones like rolling over or crawling, it’s possible they might have suffered a birth injury.

Birth injuries often occur when a baby is deprived of oxygen during labor or delivery. If the injury stems from medical malpractice, you have a right to file a lawsuit for damages.