While childbirth is a beautiful experience, birth injuries are a possibility that can happen despite the best efforts of medical professionals. If you suspect that your little one has a birth injury, this guide highlights the signs to watch out for and actions to take to get justice for your child and entire family.
Immediate Signs of Birth Injury
Some birth injuries may be noticeable right after delivery, especially if the birth was difficult or instruments were used. Some physical signs to look for include bruising, swelling, or lacerations on the scalp or face, a soft bulge or bump on the baby’s head, and fractures such as a broken collarbone.
Some behavioral signs include excessive or high-pitched crying, unusual sleepiness or lethargy, and feeding difficulties like trouble latching, swallowing, or suckling. Also, be mindful of muscular or neurological indicators like weakness or paralysis in one arm, facial paralysis, a weak or floppy muscle tone, breathing difficulties, and seizures or unusual twitching movements.
Signs that Appear Over Time
Some birth injuries, particularly those causing brain or nerve damage, may not show symptoms until your child begins to miss developmental milestones. Long-term signs to watch out for include developmental delays, movement and coordination issues, sensory impairments, speech and language delays, and learning and cognitive issues.
Actions to Take if You Suspect a Birth Injury:
- Seek immediate medical evaluation: If you have a feeling that something is wrong, voice out your concerns to your doctor or healthcare provider right away. If you’re not satisfied with the first diagnosis or feel that your concerns are being dismissed, seek a second opinion from a new doctor.
- Document everything: Keep a detailed record of everything that you remember about the delivery, including dates, times, and names of all medical staff. If you have concerns about your child’s development, note the specific symptoms, behaviours, and challenges you observe.
- Request all medical records: Obtain all records related to your pregnancy and the birth. This documentation is essential for medical professionals and, if necessary, for legal evaluation.
- Consider legal options: While not all birth injuries are caused by medical negligence, some are. An experienced lawyer with a proven success record in birth injury lawsuits can help you determine if your child’s injury was preventable and if you can pursue compensation for future care.
- Consider psychological support for yourself: It’s common for parents to experience anxiety, grief, or post-traumatic stress after a difficult birth. Talking to a counselor or joining a support group can help you cope with the trauma. Also, don’t be embarrassed to share your worries, thoughts, and feelings with your partner or trusted loved ones.
- Look for resources and support groups: Connecting with the parents of children with special needs or similar experiences can be highly comforting and empowering. Look for organizations and communities, both online and in-person, and reach out to other parents.
Endnote
By learning these birth injury signs and understanding the appropriate steps to take, you can secure the necessary help that your child needs and achieve better outcomes for their health, development, and overall well-being.