For many families, the moment their child is born is one filled with overwhelming joy and relief. But for some parents, concerns begin almost immediately when something doesn’t seem quite right. Understanding what the early signs of a birth injury in newborns look like can make all the difference in getting the right care—and potentially holding medical providers accountable for negligence.
Birth injuries can range from mild and temporary to severe and life-altering. Some signs may be immediately apparent in the delivery room, while others may not surface until days, weeks, or even months after birth. This blog will explore the most common early symptoms to watch for, when to seek medical attention, and how families in Pennsylvania—including Pittsburgh, Bethel Park, McKeesport and throughout Allegheny County—can take legal action if medical negligence is suspected.
What Is a Birth Injury?
A birth injury refers to physical harm or trauma sustained by a baby before, during, or shortly after delivery. These injuries can affect the child’s muscles, bones, nerves, or brain and often result from complications during labor and delivery. While not all birth injuries are preventable, many result from failure to monitor fetal distress, delayed C-sections, improper use of delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors, or failure to respond appropriately during emergencies.
Common Early Signs of Birth Injuries in Newborns
1. Unusual Muscle Tone
One of the earliest signs of a birth injury is abnormal muscle tone. If your newborn feels unusually floppy (a condition known as hypotonia) or stiff (hypertonia), this could indicate nerve damage or a neurological issue stemming from birth trauma.
2. Lack of Movement or Asymmetry
If your baby favors one side of the body, has limited arm or leg movement, or shows no reflexes on one side, it could suggest a brachial plexus injury. These injuries occur when the nerves around the shoulder are stretched or torn during delivery—commonly associated with difficult or assisted births.
3. Excessive Crying or Irritability
All newborns cry, but high-pitched, persistent crying—especially when touched or moved—may be a signal that the baby is in pain or discomfort. In some cases, this could be related to internal injuries, nerve damage, or even fractures sustained during a traumatic delivery.
4. Difficulty Feeding or Sucking
Feeding challenges are often overlooked but can point to underlying issues such as facial nerve damage, poor muscle coordination, or brain injuries. If your baby consistently struggles to latch or shows signs of choking or gagging while feeding, further evaluation may be warranted.
5. Seizures in the First Days of Life
Seizures in a newborn—often characterized by twitching limbs, abnormal eye movements, or pauses in breathing—are red flags that should be addressed immediately. These episodes may indicate brain trauma, oxygen deprivation, or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a serious condition linked to prolonged labor or delayed interventions.
6. Abnormal Reflexes
Doctors routinely check reflexes in newborns, such as the Moro reflex (startle reflex) or grasp reflex. If your baby doesn't respond appropriately, it may suggest neurological damage or developmental concerns caused by birth trauma.
7. Bruising, Swelling, or Head Trauma
Visible injuries such as bruises on the head or face, swelling of the scalp (caput succedaneum), or indentations on the skull may result from the use of forceps or vacuum extractors during birth. While minor swelling is common, more severe trauma could indicate underlying skull fractures or brain bleeds.
8. Difficulty Breathing or Low Apgar Scores
Babies with low Apgar scores (a quick test performed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth) may have experienced oxygen deprivation. Breathing difficulties, blue-tinged skin, or poor muscle tone at birth are early signs that the baby may need respiratory support or further neurological evaluation.
When Should You Be Concerned?
It’s important to note that not every irregularity means your child has suffered a birth injury. However, if you notice multiple early signs of a birth injury in your newborn, or if healthcare providers seemed unsure or evasive during labor and delivery, it’s worth seeking a second opinion. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes, especially when therapies and treatments are started promptly.
Pediatricians may recommend MRIs, CT scans, or consultations with neurologists if a birth injury is suspected. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, advocate for your child until you get answers.
Long-Term Conditions Linked to Birth Injuries
Some early signs of a birth injury evolve into long-term diagnoses such as:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Erb’s Palsy
- Developmental delays
- Seizure disorders
- Speech and motor coordination issues
These conditions often require long-term therapies, specialized care, and significant financial resources.
Legal Rights for Families in Pennsylvania
Families in Pennsylvania—including those in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and the surrounding areas—have the right to seek compensation if a preventable birth injury resulted from medical negligence. This may include damages for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- In-home care or assistive devices
- Emotional distress and pain and suffering
- Loss of earning capacity for the child’s future
How a Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you believe your child’s birth injury was avoidable, consulting an experienced birth injury attorney can help protect your rights and uncover the truth. At Anapol Weiss, we work with medical experts to review your case, determine whether the standard of care was breached, and build a strong claim on your behalf.
We help families across Pennsylvania get the answers—and the compensation—they need. Whether your child is struggling with early symptoms or already diagnosed with a serious condition, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Take Action If You Suspect a Birth Injury in Central PA
Recognizing the early signs of a birth injury in newborns can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you’ve noticed red flags or suspect that something went wrong during labor or delivery, now is the time to act. The sooner you speak with a knowledgeable attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case with clear medical evidence.
At Anapol Weiss, we’re committed to helping families throughout Pennsylvania find clarity, accountability, and justice after devastating birth injuries.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 866-944-0553. We’re here to help you protect your child’s future.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.