Despite it being one of the most joyous moments for a parent, the moment you find out you’re going to have a baby can come with a lot of stress and concern. While you may be happy and excited about becoming a parent, the moment may be overshadowed by worry about what can happen.
Unfortunately, there are several issues that can arise during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and they could have the potential to put the mother and/or baby at serious risk. When this happens, it may be considered an act of negligence based on the situation and the actions of the medical professional.
Birth injuries are some of the most serious that can occur, especially if they lead to life-changing damages that the child must endure. It’s important for families to understand the connection between birth injuries and mental health issues, so they can be equipped to deal with the potential challenges ahead.
Are There Any Birth Injuries That Can Lead to Mental Illness?
Many birth injuries involve the baby’s brain and its development. They can impact the baby’s basic motor function and other abilities vital to living a normal life.
Some birth injuries can result in serious problems experienced over a long period, particularly when they affect the child’s developmental milestones and their progression with certain learning timelines.
When this happens, the baby may experience potential issues involving their sensory functions—such as sight, sound, taste, smell, and feel—speaking abilities, learning abilities, and more. This can occur when a baby sustains such injuries as brachial plexus, cerebral palsy, and others that directly impact the head.
A Recent Study Details the Correlation Between Brachial Plexus and Mental Illness
When a baby sustains a brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI), it means they sustained significant damage to the nerves in their neck, spine, or parts of their arm, including the shoulder, bicep, forearm, wrist, or hand. In some situations, they can experience no long-term issues at all.
A study of more than 600,000 Swedish children determined that children who had suffered a brachial plexus birth injury used anti-depressants or underwent mental health treatment more often than those who did not sustain injuries during birth.
The study had the following results:
- 1,600 of the 600,000+ children had sustained BPBI and were receiving mental illness treatment.
- Of those with BPBI, more teenage girls were affected than boys.
- Teenage girls with low socioeconomic status were more likely to have a mental illness than boys who had a higher socioeconomic status.
What Links Brachial Plexus with Mental Illness?
Mental illnesses may result from brachial plexus for a few reasons. While BPBI results in damage to the nerves and impacts range of motion, loss of use in an affected limb, and flexibility, there are more ways for the brachial plexus to cause mental health issues.
This is often due to the experiences children must endure because of the injury, such as the treatment and therapy they need, as well as the difficulties they may endure when having troubles with developmental milestones.
Financial burden and parental stress can also lead to long-term mental health issues such as depression.
The study also linked brachial plexus and mental health illness because of the following potential contributing factors:
- Lower level of socioeconomic status
- Issues involving insurance coverage and care
- Lack of support for developmental milestones
- Difficulty with emotions and changes in behavior
Cerebral Palsy and Mental Health Issues Are Also Linked
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that affects movement, coordination, and muscle control. However, its impact extends beyond physical challenges—many individuals with CP experience significant mental health concerns. Research suggests that up to 25% of adults with CP exhibit clinically significant depressive symptoms. One study of 501 adults with CP found that 39% met the criteria for an anxiety disorder, while 31% met the criteria for major depression.
The link between CP and mental health struggles may stem from factors including chronic pain, mobility limitations, and social isolation. Many individuals with CP face difficulties in employment, independence, and daily living activities, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, barriers to accessing mental health care can exacerbate these issues, leaving some individuals without the support they need.
For families navigating a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis, understanding the potential mental health effects is crucial. Early intervention, therapy, and access to comprehensive support systems can improve long-term well-being.
Supporting Mental Health After a Birth Injury
When a child sustains a birth injury such as cerebral palsy or brachial plexus, the focus is often on physical recovery. However, the emotional and psychological impact can be just as significant. Children with mobility challenges or developmental delays may struggle with self-esteem, social interactions, and mental well-being.
Therapy and counseling can help children process their experiences, while family support plays a crucial role in fostering confidence and resilience. Parents and caregivers should also seek emotional support, as the stress of caring for a child with complex medical needs can take a toll on the entire family.
Early intervention and access to specialized care can improve long-term outcomes, both physically and emotionally. Families should work with medical professionals and mental health specialists to create a comprehensive care plan that addresses not only physical rehabilitation but also psychological well-being.
When Birth Injuries Result From Medical Negligence
Some birth injuries occur due to preventable medical errors during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Negligence can take many forms, including failure to monitor fetal distress, improper use of delivery tools like forceps or vacuums, or delaying a necessary C-section. These errors can lead to conditions such as cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, and other serious complications.
When medical negligence causes a birth injury, families may face lifelong medical expenses, therapy costs, and emotional distress. A birth injury lawsuit can help hold the responsible parties accountable and provide the financial resources needed for ongoing care.
If your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, seeking legal guidance can be an important step in securing justice and ensuring they receive the support they need for both their physical and mental well-being.
Compensation for Mental Health Issues Due to Birth Injuries
Beam Legal Team is proud to fight for damages for mental health conditions after a birth injury. In addition to damages for direct financial costs like medical care and lost wages, birth injury claims can also include compensation for:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
When a Birth Injury Impacts Mental Health, Contact Beam Legal Team
At Beam Legal Team, we truly care about our clients. You and your family deserve skilled and aggressive legal representation to fight for your rights. We are ready to guide you through the process because we know just how important it is.
If your child is experiencing mental health illnesses because of the stress and concerns resulting from the birth injury, you should speak to our team about potential options for legal action, who may be sued, and what comes next in the process.
Our Chicago birth injury attorneys are in your corner every step of the way and want you to feel confident in your pursuit of justice. You and your family deserve the most favorable outcome possible, and that’s what we aim to recover on your behalf.
If you need legal help, contact Beam Legal Team today for a free consultation.