The moment you meet your baby for the first time is supposed to be one of joy, not confusion or fear. But when a birth doesn’t go as planned—or when questions start to arise about your child’s health in the days or weeks that follow—it’s natural to wonder if something went wrong.
Unfortunately, some birth injuries are not immediately visible. Many parents don’t realize until later that a preventable medical error during delivery may have caused harm.
In this post, we’ll cover the early signs of a birth injury, how they can present at different stages, and what steps you can take if you suspect something isn’t right.
What Is a Birth Injury?
A birth injury is a physical injury to a baby that occurs shortly before, during, or after labor and delivery. Some birth injuries are minor and resolve on their own. Others can lead to lifelong disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries (like Erb’s palsy), or brain damage from lack of oxygen.
While not all birth injuries are preventable, many result from medical negligence, including:
- Delayed C-sections
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
- Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia or HIE)
- Failure to treat maternal infections or complications
Why Early Detection Matters
Catching the signs of a birth injury early can significantly improve your child’s outcome. Prompt diagnosis allows for early intervention services, therapy, and developmental support, all of which can impact your child’s long-term progress.
It can also help you:
- Get a clear medical explanation
- Connect with appropriate specialists
- Begin tracking medical records for a possible legal case
Signs of a Birth Injury in Newborns (0–3 Months)
Some signs may be visible right away, while others may emerge after a few weeks.
🚩 Red Flags in the First Few Days or Weeks:
- Weak or absent reflexes (such as the Moro/startle reflex)
- Floppy or unusually stiff muscles
- One side of the body seems less active than the other
- Seizures or tremors
- Trouble feeding or latching
- Poor sucking or swallowing reflex
- Abnormal breathing patterns
- Low or high muscle tone
In many cases, babies with birth injuries also spend time in the NICU due to oxygen deprivation, low Apgar scores, or difficulty breathing.
Signs of a Birth Injury in Infants (3–12 Months)
As your baby grows, new milestones may be missed or delayed—another indicator that something may be wrong.
🚩 Signs to Watch During the First Year:
- Missed developmental milestones (not rolling over, sitting up, or crawling on time)
- Difficulty holding up their head
- Muscle tightness or spastic movements
- Favoring one side of the body or keeping one hand in a fist
- Persistent feeding difficulties or choking
- Crossed eyes or vision concerns
- Lack of facial expressions or emotional response
If your child isn’t meeting milestones—or is progressing very differently from other children their age—speak to your pediatrician and request a developmental evaluation.
Signs of a Birth Injury in Toddlers and Older Children
Some birth injuries, particularly those involving mild oxygen deprivation, aren’t diagnosed until the toddler years or later.
🚩 Red Flags in Early Childhood:
- Speech delays or unclear speech
- Problems with walking or motor coordination
- Trouble focusing or learning in daycare/preschool
- Behavioral issues or frequent frustration
- Diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental delays
While not all delays point to a birth injury, these signs could indicate brain injury or trauma during birth, especially if complications occurred during labor and delivery.
When to Ask Questions About Your Child’s Birth
Parents often trust that everything was handled properly during childbirth, but you have every right to ask questions if something doesn’t feel right.
Ask yourself:
- Were there complications during delivery (prolonged labor, emergency C-section)?
- Did your baby experience oxygen deprivation or need resuscitation?
- Were there signs of distress that weren’t promptly acted on?
- Did medical staff fail to communicate clearly with you during labor?
If any of these apply, and your child is now showing signs of a potential birth injury, it may be time to take a closer look.
What to Do if You Suspect a Birth Injury
1. Document Your Concerns
Start keeping records of your child’s symptoms, doctor visits, evaluations, and milestones. Save hospital records, NICU notes, and discharge summaries.
2. Request Developmental Screenings
Early intervention programs (available in most states) can assess your child and provide services like physical, speech, or occupational therapy at no cost to you.
3. Speak with a Birth Injury Attorney
If you believe your child’s injury was preventable, a medical malpractice attorney can review your case and help you determine whether negligence occurred. Many law firms offer free consultations with no obligation.
You Deserve Answers—And Your Child Deserves Support
Every parent hopes for a healthy delivery and a bright future for their child. When a medical mistake changes that path, seeking answers is natural.
Recognizing the signs of a birth injury is the first step toward getting your child the help they need—and possibly holding the medical providers accountable if preventable harm occurred.
🎧 Listen to Our Podcast for More Insight
Want to learn more about birth injuries and how to recognize them?
🎙️ Check out Episode 1 of our podcast: “What Is a Birth Injury and How Can It Impact a Family?”
We explain the basics of birth injuries, how they happen, and the first signs that something may be wrong.
📞 Free Case Review
If you think a medical error may have caused your child’s injury, contact a birth injury lawyer for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story and help you understand your legal options, with compassion and zero pressure.