Pregnancy and childbirth are miraculous events, but they have risks. Birth injuries, though uncommon, can occur during the delivery process and may have lasting effects on the baby’s health.
As a parent, you should be aware of the signs and symptoms of birth injuries.
Physical signs
In 2021, women had 3,664,292 babies, according to the CDC. During the newborn period, physical signs of birth injuries may include difficulty or abnormal breathing, swelling or bruising on the baby’s head or face, weakness or paralysis in certain parts of the body and abnormalities in the baby’s posture or movement.
Neurological symptoms
Birth injuries can affect the baby’s nervous system. These injuries result in seizures or tremors, excessive crying or irritability and difficulty feeding or swallowing. Babies can also experience delayed developmental milestones, such as rolling over or sitting up.
Cognitive and behavioral changes
In some cases, birth injuries may impact the baby’s cognitive function and behavior. They may experience poor concentration or attention span, learning difficulties or developmental delays. Behavioral issues, such as aggression or impulsivity and difficulty with social interactions or communication skills, also occur.
Musculoskeletal problems
Birth injuries can also affect the baby’s muscles, bones and joints. These injuries lead to a limited range of motion in certain limbs. These babies may also experience muscle stiffness or weakness, bone fractures or dislocations and abnormalities in the baby’s gait or posture.
Sensory impairments
Some birth injuries may cause sensory impairments. These include hearing loss or deafness, vision problems or blindness, sensitivity to light, sound or touch and difficulty with coordination or balance.
Not all birth injuries are immediately apparent. Some may only become evident as the child grows and develops. If you notice any signs or symptoms, seek medical advice promptly. Early intervention and treatment can impact the long term.
