Signs of a birth injury can be subtle—or they can be alarming. Either way, if you suspect something may be wrong with your baby’s health or development, it’s critical to trust your instincts and take action. While not all medical concerns are the result of negligence, many birth injuries are preventable and may be caused by mistakes during pregnancy, labor, or delivery.
At Coplan + Crane, we’ve helped countless families get the answers and justice they deserve. Recognizing the early signs of a birth injury is often the first step toward getting your child the support they need—and holding negligent medical professionals accountable. Below, we outline common indicators of birth injuries and explain what you can do if your child is affected.
Labored or irregular breathing can be one of the first signs of a birth injury, particularly if oxygen deprivation occurred during delivery. Prompt medical attention is essential to assess the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Trouble latching, sucking, or swallowing may point to nerve or brain injuries affecting motor function. While some feeding challenges are normal, persistent or severe difficulties can signal something more serious.
If your baby appears to gag, choke, or struggle when swallowing milk or formula, this could indicate an underlying injury affecting the muscles or nerves involved in feeding.
Excessive muscle tone or stiffness—particularly if your baby seems uncomfortable or unable to move freely—can be a warning sign of neurological damage, such as cerebral palsy or brachial plexus injury.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, a lack of muscle tone (also called hypotonia) may indicate nerve damage or developmental delays linked to a birth injury.
Uncontrolled spasms, seizures, or tremors can all be early signs of a birth injury affecting brain function. These symptoms often require immediate medical evaluation and monitoring.
Extreme sensitivity to visual or auditory stimuli may be associated with neurological conditions like Erb’s palsy or cerebral palsy, both of which are sometimes caused by trauma during delivery.
If your baby does not react to your voice, touch, or facial expressions, this could suggest a cognitive or sensory processing issue linked to a birth injury. Early intervention may be critical for improving outcomes.
While crying is normal, excessive or inconsolable crying—especially when paired with physical symptoms—could be your baby’s way of expressing pain or discomfort related to an injury.
Missing key milestones (such as rolling over, sitting up, or making eye contact) may not be cause for alarm on its own. But when delays are significant or ongoing, they may point to a serious underlying condition caused by medical malpractice.
These are just some of the potential signs of a birth injury. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. Talk to your pediatrician or a pediatric specialist to get a clear diagnosis—and if a birth injury is confirmed, speak with an experienced attorney about your legal rights.
Recognizing the signs of a birth injury early on can make all the difference—for your child’s care, your family’s peace of mind, and your ability to hold the responsible parties accountable. If your baby is showing symptoms that concern you, the time to act is now.
At Coplan + Crane, we help parents in Chicago and throughout Illinois navigate these difficult situations with compassion and legal strength. Our team will review your case, answer your questions, and help you pursue justice if medical negligence played a role in your child’s condition.
Call 708-358-8080 or contact us online to schedule your FREE case evaluation with a knowledgeable Chicago birth injury lawyer. You don’t pay unless we win—and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
