Birth rarely follows a script. Unexpected complications sometimes leave a newborn with an injury. This guide explains the most common birth injuries in easy to follow terms. You will learn what each condition involves, common symptoms and treatment as well as when there is the potential for long-term care. You will also get a clear view of typical treatment cost categories, plus why early evaluation and solid medical records often matter.
Brachial plexus injury
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that controls movement and feeling in the shoulder, arm and hand. Injury can occur when an infant’s shoulder becomes stuck during delivery, or when traction is applied to help the baby deliver. Symptoms often include a weak or limp arm, reduced grip and limited shoulder movement. Early care commonly includes physical therapy, gentle range-of-motion exercises and follow-up with pediatric neurology or orthopedics. Many babies improve within months. Severe cases may need surgical intervention.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE occurs when there is brain injury due to too little oxygen, too little blood flow, or both, around the time of birth. Causes often include umbilical cord problems, placental complications, prolonged labor and delays in responding to fetal distress. Symptoms may include poor tone, seizures, feeding problems and breathing difficulty. Early care can include neonatal intensive care monitoring, seizure control and therapeutic hypothermia within hours of birth for eligible infants.
Fractures
Newborn fractures most often involve the collarbone. They can occur during difficult deliveries, if the baby is large or with assisted deliveries. Signs include crying with arm movement, swelling and reduced movement on one side. Early care usually involves gentle handling along with brief immobilization. Healing is commonly rapid.
Facial nerve injury
Facial nerve injury may cause one-sided facial weakness, often related to pressure during delivery or use of instruments. Symptoms include an uneven cry, incomplete eyelid closure and drooling. Early care focuses on eye protection, feeding support and observation. Many cases resolve.
What early care can look like
Early evaluation helps guide next steps. Medical professionals often use the following to help diagnosis and treat the injury:
- Imaging, such as ultrasound, X-ray, MRI
- Specialist referrals, such as neurology, orthopedics, rehabilitation
- Therapy services, such as PT, OT, feeding therapy
- Developmental follow-up, plus early intervention programs
These steps aim to support recovery, reduce complications and document progress.
Treatment costs and long-term needs
Costs vary widely by region, insurance, severity and duration of care. A straightforward fracture may involve minimal costs after initial evaluation. More complicated issues like a brachial plexus injury, nerve damage or HIE can involve extensive medical treatment and long-term therapy.
Typical costs to take into account when estimating the overall cost to treat the injury often include the following:
- NICU stays, often tens of thousands, sometimes more
- Surgery, rehabilitation, assistive equipment, often thousands to six figures over time
- Ongoing therapies, home care, special education supports, sometimes lifelong
Some children will have a full recovery while others may require long-term support for mobility, communication, learning or daily care. These are just a few of the more common injuries and symptoms for new parents to watch for when checking over their child.
A birth injury diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Clear information, early medical follow-up and supportive services can make a meaningful difference. If you are seeking legal guidance, detailed medical records and timelines often help clarify what happened, what care is needed now and what future needs may look like.