Navigating the Unknown: 5 Common Signs of Birth Injury You Should Know

Bringing a new life into the world is meant to be a moment of pure joy. However, when things don’t go as planned due to a medical error, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Many parents feel a sense of "medical gaslighting"—where their concerns are dismissed by staff—leaving them unsure if their child’s condition was natural or preventable.

At Legis & Aequitas, we believe knowledge is the first step toward justice. Here are five common indicators that a birth injury may have occurred:

1. Low APGAR Scores: While not always a sign of trauma, consistently low scores can indicate oxygen deprivation (asphyxia).

2. Delayed Milestones: If your infant is struggling with motor skills or muscle tone (hypotonia) in the months following birth, it may be linked to a birth-related brain injury.

3. Seizures: Unusual tremors or staring spells shortly after birth are often red flags for neurological distress.

4. Physical Trauma: Visible bruising, swelling on the head (cephalohematoma), or a limp arm (Erb’s Palsy) are frequent results of improper use of birthing tools like forceps.

5. Feeding Difficulties: Difficulty swallowing or nursing can sometimes be tied to nerve damage sustained during delivery.

   
   

Professional Advise Disclaimer:

This content is not legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is formed.