How long it takes for a bruise on a baby to go away depends on a number of factors, but it generally takes between a few days and two weeks. In some cases, more severe bruising or a hematoma may take longer to completely resolve.
If your newborn has excessive bruising, bruising that does not go away, or if new bruises appear on your baby after any bruising related to birth resolves, you should discuss your concerns with their doctor immediately. This could indicate a more serious issue that requires treatment.
Infant bruising can also be a sign of doctor negligence during the delivery. If your child was injured during birth because of medical negligence, your family may be able to recover compensation in a medical malpractice lawsuit.
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Concerns Related to Bruising on Newborns
If your newborn or baby has a bruise that does not begin to heal within several weeks, it may be cause for concern. Unexplained bruising and bruises that do not heal may be an early indication of some types of blood disorders.
Bruising from the birth process is normal, but new bruises that appear after birth without an explanation or long-lasting bruises could be the first signs of a condition such as hemophilia, another blood clotting disorder, or infant leukemia.
Your doctor should evaluate any unusual bruising to rule out these conditions.
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Infant Hematomas May Take Time to Resolve
Some types of bleeds will naturally take longer to heal than others, and, in some cases, require additional medical care. When a child is born with a bruise on their head, or one develops in the first few days of life, it requires careful evaluation and an accurate diagnosis. Such bruising may indicate the following conditions:
- Cephalohematoma, which requires observation for additional symptoms or complications and may clear up in several weeks, or longer, without intervention. However, complications can include anemia, jaundice, and infection.
- Subgaleal hematoma, a medical emergency that can lead to traumatic brain injury and even death if the baby does not receive prompt diagnosis and care.
As you can see, getting the correct diagnosis can aid in understanding what to expect, as well as ensuring your baby gets the necessary medical care.
Although many babies are born with bruising, extensive bruising may indicate a very traumatic birth or that excessive force used by the medical staff. If your child has this type of bruising, it may be important for you to monitor your child for other birth injuries that can result from excessive force, such as:
- Erb’s palsy, a nerve injury that may affect the control a child has of the shoulder, arm, and hand on the affected side of the body.
- Cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that may present with developmental delays and unusual muscle development or posture.
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Infant Bruising and Birth Injury Medical Malpractice
Any time an infant suffers preventable injuries because of a doctor’s medical negligence, the child’s family may have a viable medical malpractice case. Since bruising is so common with vaginal deliveries and usually clears on its own, it may be difficult to prove a birth injury case based on bruising alone. However, if your child sustained other injuries, you may be able to build a case to prove:
- The doctor failed to adequately monitor the pregnancy, labor, or delivery
- The doctor failed to order a cesarean delivery when necessary
- The doctor used improper techniques when delivering your baby
- The doctor used forceps or a vacuum improperly when delivering your baby
- The doctor or another caregiver failed to provide the expected standard of care
Working with a birth injury attorney who fights for justice in your state can ensure you understand the necessary process, the role of the medical expert opinion, and the deadlines that apply in your case.
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Get Help Today by Calling the Birth Injury Lawyers Group
If you are concerned about how long it takes for a bruise on your baby to go away, we recommend you bring your child to a doctor for an immediate evaluation. If you believe that doctor negligence caused your baby’s birth injury, the Birth Injury Lawyers Group is here for your family. We may be able to represent you in settlement negotiations or a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today at (800) 222-9529 for your free, no-obligation consultation on your case with a member of our team.
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