Undiagnosed or Undiscovered Birth Injuries
Some signs of birth injuries may be evident in the delivery room—cuts, swelling, breathing problems, seizures, to name a few. However, there are many instances where a mother or the infant may experience symptoms days or even years postpartum. Because these signs are so delayed, many may not even realize that this is resulting from an injury that occurred during delivery.
It's important to understand which physical and mental signs in both the mother and baby may indicate a birth injury. While many of these may be undiscovered/undiagnosed at the time of delivery, they could become much larger issues if left untreated.
Which Symptoms May Indicate a Birth Injury?
In many cases, signs of birth injuries in children may go undiagnosed until they affect cognitive function and development. Between 12 months and 36 months of age, parents should be conscious of:
- Delays in speech
- Difficulties with walking, crawling, or sitting/standing
- Poor motor skills
- Ataxia: impairments to muscle control and coordination
- Epilepsy
- Hearing or vision impairments
- Delays in learning or comprehension
While these may be signs of an acute illness, they may also be signs that a child has suffered a birth injury.
Delayed Symptoms in Mothers
Late symptoms may also appear during postpartum for mothers, many of which occur internally in the pelvic area. If these signs are overlooked by the physician during delivery, are not repaired at the time, or are not repaired correctly, they may lead to more significant long-term health issues. Signs to look for include:
- Heavy bleeding weeks after giving birth
- Painful urination or bladder dysfunction
- Persistent pain or numbness in the lower half of the body
- Motor impairment or muscle weakness
It's important to remember that the mother's health should be considered just as high of a priority, and if a doctor acted negligently in giving postpartum care, they should be held accountable.
The Law Firm of Michael H. Bereston, Inc. is Here to Help
For over 30 years, The Law Firm of Michael H. Bereston, Inc. has been helping families seek justice for the injuries caused during delivery. We pride ourselves in standing up for injured children and their families and are dedicated to helping you achieve the outcome you deserve.
If you are undergoing treatment for delayed symptoms of birth injuries and are looking to take legal action, call (410) 220-6581 to get in touch with a member of our team today.