No parent wants to ever have to think about their child, let alone their newborn, suffering extreme and permanent harm. That’s why most parents simply do not spend much time learning about the possible problems that could arise as a result of complications that occur during the birthing process. This is supposed to be a happy and exciting time, and many people think that maintaining a positive mindset is important for the successful delivery of a child. In addition, doctors are supposed to be the ones who spot these problems and react to them immediately.
Unfortunately, that’s not always what happens. While most doctors perform at an admirable level, they are also human just like us and they will make mistakes from time to time. Sadly, the mistakes made by doctors overseeing a birth can have devastating if not grave consequences. That’s why they are so highly-trained. It may be at least of some help for parents to understand some of the most common warning signs that brain damage may have occurred during birth. Brain damage is often caused by a lack of oxygen , and many times this brain damage will lead to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy.
- Pale Skin That May Seem Blue In Color
Parents who have never had a child before may often be surprised when their child emerges. Their skin is not a color that seems ‘normal’ to most people. However, if the skin is so pale that it’s shocking or almost blue in color it could be a problem.
- Seizures
While a newborn will not be as aware of his or her surroundings as older children or adults, no one should have seizures. Seizures are scary to witness and they should be dealt with immediately when they occur.
- Lack of Muscle Tone
This condition is known in the medical world as hypotonia. It may be somewhat difficult to recognize for some immediately after birth, but if the newborn has serious problems feeding he or she may appear exceedingly limp at birth.
- Strange Eye Movement
Strange eye movements can involve a child’s eyes moving in unusual directions and doing so repetitively. These movements may be side-to-side or up-and-down. Some sets of eyes will move in a circular pattern.
- Strange Levels of Fatigue
Being born is a very big day for any human. This process saps a newborn’s energy much in the same way as it does the mother, but if that fatigue continues it should be examined immediately to find out if significant damage has been done.
This information is not meant to scare anyone, but rather to encourage new parents to watch their newborns and to ask questions if they think something could be amiss. In this situation, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your child has suffered brain damage because the doctor did not react promptly to any problem, contact the New York medical malpractice lawyers at Fitzgerald & Fitzgerald today to schedule a free initial consultation.