Many parents, after the traumatic experience of their child’s birth, describe similar concerning details about their baby. These details can be important in understanding whether a brain injury like Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) occurred. Parents often talk about their baby being blue, pale, or even purplish in color. They may describe the child as limp, floppy, or looking lifeless. Most frighteningly, many parents recall that their baby did not cry or was not breathing.
These observations are not only terrifying for parents but also key indicators of an HIE brain injury. Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy happens when a baby experiences a lack of oxygen and blood flow during or after birth. This shortage can lead to the brain and other organs struggling to function. When a baby is deprived of oxygen, their skin can take on a blue, purple, or pale appearance because the body isn’t receiving enough oxygenated blood to stay a healthy color.
Another sign parents notice is that their baby appears limp or floppy. This is because, during an HIE event, the brain is not able to send the right signals to the body’s muscles. As a result, babies with HIE may appear lifeless or unresponsive. Parents sometimes describe the baby as looking dead, which is a devastating sight no parent should ever have to witness.
Why Doesn’t A Baby Cry After Birth?
One of the most common descriptions we hear from parents is that their baby didn’t cry at birth. Crying requires active lung function and the strength to take a deep breath. But when a baby isn’t getting enough oxygen—or isn’t breathing at all—crying becomes almost impossible. In these cases, immediate medical intervention is required to resuscitate the baby, often through CPR or intubation to get oxygen flowing into the baby’s lungs and brain.
How HIE Ties Into These Symptoms
When parents notice these signs after birth, it’s important to consider the possibility of HIE. What parents observe—whether it’s discoloration, limpness, or a lack of breathing—are often direct effects of the baby’s lack of oxygen during labor and delivery. These signs indicate that brain function may have been compromised.
If your baby has been diagnosed with HIE and you recall similar symptoms, it’s important to have a thorough investigation into what happened during labor and delivery. There are times when medical mistakes or delays can cause or worsen HIE, which can lead to long-term impacts on your child’s development and future.
What To Do If Your Baby Showed These Signs After Birth
If you’re a parent noticing these signs in your baby and now learning about an HIE diagnosis, it’s natural to wonder what could have been done differently. Speaking with a birth injury lawyer can help you understand whether medical negligence played a role in your baby’s condition.
At the end of the day, parents who witness these traumatic signs deserve answers. By working with a birth injury lawyer, you can find out if your baby’s injury was preventable and what legal steps you can take moving forward.
Marcus B. Boston, Esq.
9701 Apollo Dr. Suite 100
Largo, Maryland 20774
301-850-4832
1-833-4 BABY HELP
