Birth injuries are a terrifying experience. You go through this incredible experience only to have it marred by a medical error. In fact, many birth injuries may not manifest for weeks or months after they occur. According to an extensive study by a series of medical experts and researchers, at least 80 percent of children who suffer from autism and attention deficit disorder (or hyperactive disorder) experienced some sort of birth injury. This post will briefly go over common birth injuries and how they may affect your child’s health.
Most birth injuries occur during labor and delivery. The most common injuries are:
- Maternal hemorrhaging.
- Being pulled too roughly out of the birth canal caused by improper forceps and vacuum extraction techniques.
- Umbilical cord problems, generally when the cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck.
- Waiting too long for a C-section can also cause serious injuries.
Another study conducted by the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine found that oxygen deprivation is a major cause of autism.
How do you know if your child suffered an injury? Most children will begin to exhibit signs within 24 to 48 hours.
Some of the most common signs are:
- Uneven or lopsided movements in the legs or arms. Children will typically move both legs and both arms, they often don’t move one or the other.
- Most babies can be consoled, if child is inconsolable despite your best efforts ? that is also a sign.
- If your child spits up or vomits regularly after being fed, not occasionally due to burping, that is also indicative of a birth injury.
- Finally, if your child arches his or her back when placed on his or her side that is another indication of nervous damage or issues.
If your child was injured during the birthing process then you may want to speak to an attorney. Birth injuries are responsible for many permanent injuries and disabilities, autism being the least among them.
This may entail huge costs for treatments, medicines, therapies and other expenses to care for your child. Government programs are often insufficient to cover these expenses. An attorney can help you get the compensation you need to care for your child.