Delayed Signs of Birth Injuries Parents Should Watch For

Sometimes, it is very clear when a baby has suffered a birth injury, and sometimes, these injuries only reveal themselves in the fullness of time. Birth injury claims are some of the most legally challenging and the most emotionally fraught, and when the injury is slower to appear, it can make a very difficult claim even more so. If this is where you find yourself, it’s time to consult with our experienced Harrisburg birth injury attorneys at Mette Attorneys at Law.

Why It’s More Difficult to Spot Some Birth Injuries

There are several key reasons why some birth injuries are more difficult to diagnose early on.

Symptoms Can Be Very Subtle or Even Delayed

Obvious signs in newborns don’t accompany some birth injuries. The kinds of challenges that tend to become noticeable when a child is expected to roll over, sit, crawl, walk, and talk aren’t likely to stand out in a newborn.

The Child Finds Workarounds

Children are very good at adapting, and some young children work around minor setbacks to the point that they go unnoticed. Often, a transition like going to school and the demands that come with it will bring the concern to light.

Early Signs Can Be Interpreted as Temporary Concerns

There is considerable variance among babies, and they have their own personalities. If your baby experiences any symptoms like the following, it might be a function of who they are, or it could signal a birth injury:

• Reflux
• Feeding problems
• General fussiness
• Mild asymmetry
• Delayed progress with milestones

When concerns are pooh-poohed, it can delay the necessary evaluations and referrals.

Imaging and Neurological Tests Are Delayed

When a baby doesn’t display clear signs of a birth injury, even if there are risk factors involved, they may not receive advanced testing like a specialized neurological assessment or an MRI. When this is the case, more intense scrutiny is unlikely to be triggered until later symptoms emerge, which can amplify the underlying concern.

The Signs You Should Be on the Lookout For

All of the following signs can be indicative of a birth injury and should not be ignored:

• Twitching motions or small seizures
• Abnormal muscle tone, which can mean being overly stiff or overly floppy
• Difficulty feeding, latching, sucking, or swallowing
• An arched back while crying
• Excessive drool
• Low oxygen levels
• High-pitched grunting or crying

Discuss your concerns with your child’s pediatrician early on.

Get Skilled Legal Guidance from Our Experienced Birth Injury Lawyers

Our compassionate Harrisburg birth injury attorneys at Mette Attorneys at Law will spare no effort in our quest to build a solid claim on your behalf and in pursuit of justice for your family. For more information about everything we can do to help you, please don’t delay reaching out and contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 717-232-5000 today.