When you welcome a new baby into your family, you expect to experience joy, excitement and a sense of wonder. But for some families, the birth of a child can be a traumatic and devastating experience. If your child suffered a birth injury, you know the pain and worry that comes with it.
As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to think that a medical mistake or act of negligence may have changed the course of your child’s life. But it’s not too late to seek answers, accountability and justice. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common birth injuries and what can cause them.
What are birth injuries?
When a baby is born, it’s not uncommon for them to experience some injury. While most of these injuries are minor and will heal on their own, parents need to be aware of the risks and what to look out for. Below are five common birth injuries:
- Bruising from forceps: This condition can occur when the baby passes through the mother’s birth canal or when the doctor uses forceps during delivery. A newborn may also experience swelling of the scalp, especially if the physician used vacuum extraction during the labor.
- Brachial palsy: If the doctor experiences difficulty extracting the baby’s shoulders, they may damage the nerves that control the arms and hands. This health condition can lead to the patient losing movement in their arm. Often, the arm’s range of motion can be maintained. Unfortunately, the damage can also be permanent in extreme cases.
- Cephalohematoma: This condition is the bleeding between the newborn’s skull bone and its covering, which may appear as a raised lump on the head.
- Facial paralysis: During labor, there can be a lot of pressure on the baby’s face. Damage to the newborn’s facial nerves can lead to paralysis, which can paralyze one side of the face.
- Bone fractures: The baby may break their clavicle or collarbone during the delivery. Unfortunately, this issue can be common, especially when there are difficulties delivering the baby’s shoulder.
It’s crucial for parents to be aware of these dangerous risks and to seek medical help if they suspect their newborn has suffered a birth injury. This way, they can prevent any potential complications.
Seeking justice for your child
If your child has suffered a birth injury, it’s essential to remember that you are not alone, and there is hope for healing and justice. While no amount of compensation can undo the harm that has been done, holding doctors accountable may help bring a sense of closure.