Many times, the signs and symptoms of infection are obvious right away, making it easier to treat a newborn for illness. Other times, symptoms are not apparent for days, weeks, or even months following birth. Either way, infections in newborns can have serious side effects that change a baby’s life forever. Following are some of the common signs and symptoms of infection in infants:
- Poor feeding—the baby does not want to nurse or drink from a bottle
- Difficulty breathing
- Restlessness
- Decreased or elevated body temperatures
- Unusual skin rashes or changes in skin color
- Persistent crying
- Unusual irritability
- Sudden changes in sleeping habits
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Signs of a congenital infection, one that is transferred from mother to baby in the womb, include:
- Small body size
- Abnormal head size—either too big or too small
- Enlarged abdominal organs
- Heart murmurs
In some cases, these symptoms can be identified during pregnancy through ultrasounds and proper prenatal care. When the symptoms are identified, precautions can be taken to help ensure the health and safety of the baby.
If your baby suffered a severe birth injury due to the negligence of a medical professional, help may be available. Contact a Chicago birth injury lawyer at Lane Brown for legal assistance. Our compassionate and skilled attorneys will take the time to fully understand your situation, answer your questions, and help you to determine your next steps—all during a free case evaluation. Give us a call today at 800-529-5377 to schedule your complimentary consultation. We will work tirelessly to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
