What Long-Term Effects Can Birth Injuries Have on Children?

 Posted on August 04, 2023 in Birth Injury

There are a variety of complications that can arise during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and children may experience multiple types of birth injuries. These injuries can result in medical conditions that can impact a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development, and a child may require ongoing medical treatment and support. It is crucial for parents to understand the potential long-term effects of birth injuries so they can seek appropriate care for their child's needs.

Types of Birth Injuries

There are numerous types of birth injuries that can occur due to complications during labor or delivery. Some of the most common conditions that can result from birth injuries include:

• Cerebral palsy

  This neurological disorder may be caused by damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. It can affect muscle coordination, reflexes, posture, balance, and overall motor skills.

• Erb's palsy

  This condition is characterized by weakness or paralysis of the arm due to damage to the nerves in and around the shoulder during childbirth. It may occur when a child suffers brachial plexus injuries during delivery.

• Bone fractures

  The pressure exerted on an infant's fragile bones during delivery may lead to fractures in various parts of the body. Fractures in the arms, legs, or collarbones may inhibit a child’s growth and development, while skull fractures may lead to brain damage.

• Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

  This condition can occur when there is insufficient oxygen supply to an infant’s brain during labor and delivery. This lack of oxygen can cause significant neurological damage.

Physical Challenges for Children Who Suffer Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can have a variety of long-term physical effects on a child. Depending on the seriousness of an injury, a child may struggle with ongoing health issues, or they may experience life-long disabilities. Some common concerns related to birth injuries include:

• Mobility impairments

  Children with conditions like cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy may have difficulties with coordination, balance, and fine motor skills.

• Sensory issues

  Some birth injuries can lead to sensory impairments such as hearing loss or visual impairment.

• Chronic pain

  Injuries like bone fractures or nerve damage can cause significant pain that can affect a child's daily life.

• Developmental delays

  Birth injuries can result in developmental issues affecting a child’s cognitive functions, speech and language skills, learning abilities, and other aspects of their life.

The Emotional Impact of Birth Injuries

In addition to physical challenges, birth injuries can also have a profound emotional impact on children and their families. Children with birth injuries may struggle to participate in activities that their peers find enjoyable, leading to feelings of isolation or frustration.

The emotional toll can extend to parents, and they may experience guilt, anger, or sadness over the injury that occurred during childbirth. Families affected by birth injuries may need to seek emotional support and counseling services alongside medical intervention.

Contact Our Chicago Birth Injury Lawyers

If your child has been affected by a birth injury, Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd. can provide guidance on how to address the harm they have suffered and ensure that you will be able to provide the necessary care. Our Illinois birth injury attorneys understand the challenges families face as they take steps to meet the needs of a child with developmental disorders or physical or mental impairments. We work to ensure that families have the resources to provide for a child’s medical treatment, accommodate disabilities and other conditions, and ensure that the child can succeed as they grow and develop. To schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you, please contact us at 312-462-4200. We will provide you with a free consultation and work closely with you to ensure your child’s injuries will be addressed correctly.