When Do Birth Injury Symptoms First Appear?

 Posted on June 09, 2022 in Birth Injury

Birth injuries in Illinois children may only take a brief moment to occur but they can be an ongoing source of parental stress, developmental challenges, and medical expenses for many years and even for a child’s entire life. Sometimes, signs that a child has suffered from a birth injury may be immediately present; other times, symptoms do not appear until a child has gotten old enough for certain developmental delays to become clear.

No matter when a birth injury becomes apparent, obtaining proper treatment is essential for avoiding long-term complications that may affect a child forever. Here are common symptoms of birth injuries that can appear in different stages of childhood development. Even if you are unsure whether your child may be manifesting symptoms, get a professional opinion so you can take action if necessary - and then contact an experienced Illinois birth injuries attorney who can help you hold the responsible party or parties accountable. 

Infant Birth Injury Symptoms 

Some birth injuries, like physical injuries caused by improper forceps use, may become apparent immediately. Others may appear several hours, days, or weeks after birth. Immediate symptoms include, but are not limited to: 

• Lethargy or a floppy body
• Low heart rate
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Blue skin
• Seizures
• Difficulty eating, swallowing, or lack of other normal reflexes
• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting

Toddler Birth Injury Symptoms 

Some symptoms manifest as developmental delays that become more obvious as a child grows and fails to hit typical milestones. Birth injuries that may appear between the age of six months to two years include: 

• Difficulties sitting up, crawling, or walking
• Lack of control over bodily movements
• Lack of coordination
• Delayed or nonexistent speech
• Difficulties eating and drinking
• Hearing problems
• Inability to grasp and hold objects 

Birth Injury Symptoms After Age Two

While it can be difficult to establish a causal connection between an injury that occurs at birth and symptoms that do not appear until years later, sometimes the nature of childhood development means that certain delays or difficulties do not appear until a child is several years old. Symptoms that may appear after age two include: 

• Epilepsy
• Fine motor skill issues
• Speech impairments 
• Vision and hearing problems 
• Tremors 
• Learning comprehension challenges
• Rigid muscles
• Inability to run or climb 

It can be devastating to observe your child display signs of birth injuries and wonder whether your child’s difficulties may have been avoided with proper care. With the help of an experienced birth injuries lawyer, you may be able to find out - and hold the responsible party accountable.

Contact an Experienced Chicago, IL Birth Injuries Lawyer

Determining whether your child suffers from birth injuries can be a long and emotionally fraught experience. If your little one may have suffered a birth injury because of the carelessness of an Illinois doctor, schedule a free consultation with a skilled Cook County birth injuries attorney at Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd.. We have helped many families explore their legal options, seek help for their child’s treatment, and adjust to a life as close to normal as possible. Call us today at 312-462-4200. 

Source: 

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=birth-injuries-90-P02687