Bringing a newborn into the world should be a joyful experience. However, when something goes wrong during labor or delivery, it can leave lasting effects on your baby’s health.
Many birth injuries are immediately noticeable, but others take weeks or months to become evident. As a parent, recognizing the signs of birth trauma early helps you seek the right care and determine whether medical negligence played a role.
At Robbins Law, PC, we have spent over 30 years handling personal injury and medical malpractice cases in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. If you suspect your child suffered a preventable birth injury, our firm may be able to assist you.
Physical Signs of Birth Trauma
Physical harm is often the first sign of a birth injury. Symptoms to look for include:
- Bruising or swelling: Excessive force during delivery can lead to marks on the baby’s face, head, or shoulders.
- Limited movement: If your baby favors one arm or leg, it could suggest nerve damage, such as brachial plexus injuries (Erb’s palsy).
- Fractures: A broken collarbone (clavicle) is one of the most common birth injuries. It may cause pain, swelling, or lack of movement in one arm.
Neurological Symptoms
Neurological symptoms may also occur. Parents should watch for warning signs such as:
- Seizures: Early seizures can indicate oxygen deprivation during birth. This can lead to conditions like cerebral palsy or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
- Low muscle tone: A baby who feels unusually limp or stiff could have brain or spinal cord damage.
- Excessive fussiness or high-pitched crying: Newborns cry often. However, inconsolable, high-pitched crying could point to neurological distress.
Potential Developmental Delays
If your baby experienced a birth injury, you might notice developmental delays as they get older. Possible challenges include:
- Difficulty sucking or swallowing: Trouble feeding may signal nerve damage or brain injuries.
- Missed milestones: Underlying trauma could cause a baby to struggle to lift their head, grasp objects, or roll over at expected ages.
- Lack of response to sounds or visual cues: Birth trauma sometimes affects hearing or vision.
Schedule a Free Case Review
If you’re worried that your baby suffered a birth injury, you don’t have to navigate this scary and stressful time alone. Contact Robbins Law, PC, today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call our office in Atlanta at 404-252-8117 or 800-772-5555 (toll-free).