Despite the pains of labor, delivery is often a joyful experience except in instances when there are complications. These complications may affect the newly born child, and parents may not notice right away. In some cases, the symptoms might be mistaken for normal post-birth conditions. Since babies are tender, delayed diagnosis can lead to long-term complications.
To avoid missing opportunities for early treatment, you need to examine your newborn carefully. If you observe any abnormalities, you must act quickly in order to manage the situation. Let’s explore the things you can do if you suspect that your child is suffering from a birth injury.
Confirm the Signs of a Possible Birth Injury
As a parent, your instincts may be hyperactive, so you must confirm your suspicions before acting on them. There are different types of birth injuries, each with its own effects and symptoms. Depending on the specific condition, some common symptoms include swelling or stiffness in the limbs, breathing problems, and delayed reflexes.
To confirm your suspicion and get a better understanding of the situation, research the noticeable symptoms. Ensure you source information from a reputable health or medical website.
Seek Medical Evaluation
Don’t rely on your judgment alone. Book an appointment to see a pediatrician as soon as possible. Just as understanding the importance of child vaccination prevents certain diseases, early defect detection helps to avoid deterioration. Discuss whatever conclusion you arrive at after your research with the specialist and have them examine your baby.
They may conduct a full physical examination, blood work, imaging scans, or other procedures. Be patient and wait for their diagnosis, after which you can ask questions. If needed, consult another pediatrician and compare their findings.
Document all Medical Procedures and Observations
Keep thorough and detailed records of your observations, medical assessments, and discussions with medical professionals. Create a file and store digital copies of test results, prescriptions, treatment plans, and discharge notes.
Steady, accurate documentation provides you with a concise account of events right from birth. If you need to get an additional professional opinion, you can present complete information and facts without skipping anything.
Determine Negligence
Some birth injuries are natural occurrences. However, others are a result of mistakes made by health care providers. It’s important to determine the cause of your child’s situation, as you can get compensated for those resulting from medical negligence. Consult experts to help you review medical records and check for inconsistencies that signal foul play.
If you discover a delayed response, wrong use of delivery tools, application of force, or other tell-tale signs, you can file a birth injury lawsuit. In such cases, proper documentation is critical as it provides the evidence that will help you build a strong case.
Explore Support Options
Proper rehabilitation and support help to manage most birth injuries. Depending on the specific condition, you can enroll your child for physical or speech therapy. Seek recommendations for assistive devices and work with pediatricians and specialists to develop a tailored care plan.
Caring for a baby with a birth injury can take a toll on your emotional and mental health. If you’re feeling stressed or depressed, opt for professional counselling or talk to your family and friends. You can also join local support groups to connect with other parents in similar situations.
Endnote
If you observe signs of a birth injury after delivery, seek confirmation and proper medical assessment. Document the entire process, find out the cause of the injury, and look into rehabilitation treatment and support options.