Your baby has been delivered, but the risks of delivery are not over. If your child was exposed to bacteria or a virus during birth—or shortly after birth—then your child could be at risk of developing a serious and life-threatening infection.
Types of Newborn Infections
Most newborn infections are acquired from the mother before or during birth. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, some types of infant infections include:
- Group B Strep (GBS).
- E Coli.
- Listeria.
- Herpes.
These infections may result in sepsis in a newborn baby.
Signs of Infections in Infants
If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms—or anything that seems out of the ordinary to you—then you should get your child immediate medical attention. Some common signs of infant infection include:
- Difficulty feeding.
- Fever or low body temperature.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Change in bowel movements.
- Vomiting.
- Jaundice.
- Seizures.
- Breathing problems.
An infection in a newborn is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately.
Recovery From a Newborn Infection
Your child’s physical recovery will depend on the unique infection and on how quickly medical help begins. Your child may be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for intravenous antibiotics and for treatment of infection symptoms.
NICU stays and permanent complications from newborn infections can be emotionally and financially challenging. If your child developed an infection because of the negligence of a hospital, doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider, then your child may be entitled to damages to help pay for past, current, and future damages. This compensation may help your family afford the medical care, ongoing rehabilitation, and other care that your child deserves.
Learn more about how you can help your child by downloading a free copy of our report, Family First: How to Get the Help You Need After a Birth Injury to Your Child Happens in Kentucky.
Has Your Family Been Impacted By A Birth Injury?
If your family has been impacted by a birth injury you need to speak with an experienced birth injury attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.
RELATED LINKS
- Group B Strep Injuries Are Preventable
- What Is Perinatal Asphyxia?
- Has Your Newborn Suffered a Seizure?