Nothing is more heartbreaking for a parent than witnessing their child suffer from a birth injury. Dealing with the fallout from such an incident can be emotionally and physically taxing. Unfortunately, for many parents, the impact of a birth injury does not end once their child has healed.
Developmental issues caused by birth injuries have long-lasting consequences that can affect a child’s life well into adulthood. These issues not only impact the child but also their families and caregivers.
Let’s learn more about developmental disabilities that some birth injury victims carry for the rest of their lives.
Delayed Developmental Milestones
Developmental milestone delays are among the most critical effects of a birth injury. These developmental milestones, including sitting up, crawling, walking, and talking, are essential to a child’s general growth and development.
A child’s cognitive, motor, and social skills may be impacted by developmental problems resulting from delays in these milestones brought on by birth injuries. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one out of every six children in the US has a developmental impairment. This data demonstrates the severity and frequency of these problems among those with birth injuries.
Cerebral Palsy
One of the most well-known developmental disorders brought on by birth injuries is cerebral palsy.
It is a collection of illnesses that impair muscle coordination and mobility, resulting in physical impairments. These impairments vary in severity and affect a child’s capacity to walk, speak, eat, and carry out everyday duties independently.
Cognitive Impairments
Birth trauma can have long-term effects that call for constant attention and assistance. If parents believe their child has been injured at birth, they should get care right away. For children with birth injuries, early intervention and therapy can significantly improve developmental outcomes.
Behavioral Issues
Behavioral issues are also common among birth injury victims. These can include aggression, anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Children who have experienced trauma at birth may struggle with emotional regulation and may exhibit challenging behavior as a result.
Impact on Families and Caregivers
The effects of developmental issues caused by birth injuries are not limited to the child alone.
Families and caregivers also carry the burden of caring for a child with special needs. This can be financially, emotionally, and physically exhausting, raising stress levels and lowering quality of life.
Seeking Help
Birth trauma can have long-term effects that call for constant attention and assistance. If parents believe their child has been injured at birth, they should get care right away. For children with birth injuries, early intervention and therapy can significantly improve developmental outcomes.
Seeking legal counsel may offer financial relief for victims of birth defects due to medical malpractice.
Final Word
Birth traumas that result in developmental problems affect families and caregivers emotionally and physically. As a society, we must continue to raise awareness about these issues and advocate for proper medical care during childbirth to prevent these long-term consequences.
If your newborn has sustained an injury due to the negligence of a medical professional, don’t hesitate to seek the help of an experienced birth injury lawyer. You’ll need legal help to get fair compensation.