The birth of a baby is an exciting event in every parent’s life. But the doctor and staff in the delivery room must be prepared to handle any emergencies. This is critical because a birth injury could have a profound impact on an infant’s future health and personal development.
Should an infant suffer a birth trauma, they could be in danger of developing such issues as autism and attention deficits. These conditions are typified by some form of cerebral dysfunction, which may have been caused by damage to the central nervous system.
There are a number of problems that could arise during a birth that could contribute to a central nervous system injury. These can include the umbilical cord becoming wrapped around the baby’s neck and injuries from a vacuum or forceps extraction.
Once a baby is born, he or she may begin to demonstrate signs that point to potential difficulty. These signs may include:
- Spitting up or vomiting after having been fed.
- Movement of the legs or arms in an asymmetrical fashion.
- Crying inconsolably for periods of time.
- Not starting to suck for over 24 to 48 hours.
- Not exhibiting the proper development of motor skills through time.
While these symptoms may not definitively indicate cerebral damage, they should be carefully monitored. Hopefully, nothing will be wrong and the baby will ultimately develop normally. However, if the central nervous system was damaged, then that child may require special care and treatment.
If your newborn suffers a birth injury, an investigation should be conducted to determine its cause. Should it be revealed that the injury was due to the negligence of a medical professional, then there may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.
An Arizona birth injury lawyer could offer advice on how to seek compensation to cover the medical expenses that have arisen due to the harm that has come to your child.