Birth injuries are deeply distressing events for both parents and newborns. They occur when complications during pregnancy, labor, or delivery harm the baby in some way, either by accident or malpractice. While some birth injuries may heal over time with treatment, others can cause lasting or permanent disabilities.

Birth injuries are typically categorized into two broad types: those that cause neurological symptoms and those that cause physiological damage or defects. It is also highly possible for children to develop both physical and mental symptoms related to the trauma they suffered while in the womb or during birth. This is because birth injuries often involve the brain and spinal cord, both of which are prominent members of the nervous system that control motor skills and signal transmission throughout the body.

Consider cerebral palsy or Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), which can develop when oxygen and blood are not allowed to flow to the child’s brain due to umbilical cord complications, uterine rupture, severe maternal infections, or a delayed response to fetal distress. These are both examples of conditions that cause symptoms on both the physical and mental side, leading to muscular issues, difficulty breathing, or seizures, as well as developmental delays.

Other types of conditions that usually affect only one side of the spectrum are bone fractures, Erb’s palsy, and Bell’s palsy. These tend to occur during difficult deliveries or from improper equipment use.

No matter which category of birth injury a child suffers, the impact of any birth injury is vast and significant, but the type will dictate how parents and caregivers respond throughout the child’s development. Early detection and intervention are crucial to improving outcomes for the child.

If a parent suspects that their child has suffered a birth injury, they can prepare

1. Educate yourself and your family: Once you understand the injury your child has suffered and the effect it’ll have on them, speak with trusted medical professionals about short-term and long-term treatment options. Proactively research schools in the area and special programs for children with developmental delays.
2. Explore financial assistance: Review your medical insurance policy to see what is covered and if you need to adjust your coverage for future procedures and treatments. Government assistance is also available for families with children with disabilities.
3. Adjust your home environment: Depending on the severity of the birth injury, parents may need to make modifications to their home to accommodate their child’s needs. This could involve making the home more accessible, purchasing adaptive equipment, or creating a safe and supportive environment for the child’s mobility and independence.
4. Find a support network: Parents should prioritize building a strong support network that includes family, friends, medical professionals, and support groups for families facing similar challenges. The emotional toll of dealing with a birth injury can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, so having a solid support system is crucial.
5. Take legal action: If medical negligence is suspected, parents should consult a birth injury lawyer who can help fight for justice and seek compensation for your medical bills and other damages.

Every birth injury is different, and not every case is caused by medical malpractice. Some injuries are life-threatening or severely debilitating, while others only produce mild symptoms and will resolve on their own. Understanding birth injuries, their causes, and their symptoms can help parents recognize when something may be wrong so that they can receive the appropriate medical treatment and legal assistance from a trusted birth injury attorney.

This article was created in partnership with Fox45 News.