As a parent, every milestone your baby achieves feels like a victory. From their first smile to their first steps, these moments are benchmarks of their development.
So when your 2-month-old is not lifting their head during tummy time, it’s natural to feel concerned. Could this be a developmental delay? Or worse, could it be the result of medical negligence?
At Poulos & Coates, our Las Cruces birth injury lawyers understand how confusing and emotional this situation can be.
As the only New Mexico law firm focusing exclusively on medical malpractice with a doctor and two nurses on staff, we’re here to help you navigate these concerns.
Let’s explore why your baby might not be lifting their head, when it’s time to consult a doctor, and whether malpractice could be to blame.
Contact us today to get started.
Understanding Infant Head Control
Head lifting during tummy time is a critical milestone in an infant’s development.
By around 2 months of age, most babies begin lifting their heads while on their stomachs, strengthening their neck, shoulders, and back muscles. However, not every baby follows the same timeline.
If your 2-month-old stopped lifting their head during tummy time or has not started this milestone, there may be various causes:
- Normal developmental variations. Some babies simply take longer to reach milestones.
- Lack of tummy time practice. Babies need time on their stomachs to build strength.
- Medical conditions. Conditions like hypotonia (low muscle tone) or torticollis (tight neck muscles) may delay head control.
- Birth injuries or medical negligence. If your baby experienced trauma during birth or lacked oxygen due to medical errors, these factors could delay development.
If your 2-month-old is not lifting their head during tummy time, it’s important to remain patient and observe their progress.
While delays in achieving this milestone can be normal, persistent challenges may warrant a closer look at potential underlying causes or a discussion with your pediatrician.
What If My Baby Doesn’t Lift Their Head During Tummy Time?
As a parent, you play a vital role in encouraging your baby’s development. If you’re asking, What if my baby doesn’t lift their head during tummy time? Consider these steps.
Increase Tummy Time Sessions
Tummy time should be a daily activity, starting with a few minutes and gradually increasing as your baby gets stronger. Place toys or mirrors within their line of sight to make it engaging.
Modify the Environment
Use a rolled towel or a tummy time mat to prop your baby slightly. This can make it easier for them to lift their head.
Consult a Pediatrician
If your baby shows no progress or if they’ve regressed—like if your 2-month-old stopped lifting their head during tummy time—it’s time to consult a pediatrician.
Could Medical Negligence Be Involved?
While developmental delays can sometimes be attributed to natural variations or environmental factors, they can also result from medical negligence.
Errors made during pregnancy, labor, or delivery may lead to conditions that affect a baby’s ability to reach key milestones.
Examples of medical negligence that could lead to delays include:
- Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia). Failure to recognize or respond to signs of fetal distress, delayed C-sections, or prolonged labor can cause a lack of oxygen, potentially leading to developmental issues.
- Birth injuries. Improper use of tools like forceps or vacuum extractors can cause nerve damage, muscle weakness, or other injuries that may impact motor development.
- Undiagnosed or untreated maternal conditions. Conditions such as untreated infections, gestational diabetes, or preeclampsia during pregnancy may increase the risk of complications affecting your baby’s growth and development.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, leading to harm or injury to a patient.
However, not every negative outcome is considered malpractice, and your birth injury attorney can help you determine whether you have a valid claim.
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim in New Mexico
New Mexico law has a statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims. Claims must be filed within three years of the alleged malpractice. For minors under the age of six, the statute is extended until their ninth birthday.
The legal process can be complex, but Poulos & Coates has many years of experience handling these cases.
Our firm has obtained over half a billion dollars in recoveries for clients through verdicts and settlements.
The Prevalence of Malpractice Settlements vs. Trials
Many parents considering legal action want to know whether their case is likely to settle or go to trial.
Nationally, around 90% of medical malpractice cases settle out of court, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Settlements provide faster resolutions and can be less emotionally taxing. However, our attorneys are in the courtroom almost every day and are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
How Poulos & Coates Can Help
At Poulos & Coates, we are dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of medical malpractice claims.
We take a compassionate yet assertive approach, ensuring our clients feel supported every step of the way.
With a doctor and two nurses on staff, we have the medical expertise to analyze your case thoroughly.
Whether through settlement or trial, our goal is to secure the compensation your family needs to move forward.
When to Seek Legal Advice for a 2-month-old Not Lifting Their Head During Tummy Time
If your baby is not meeting developmental milestones, and you suspect medical negligence, don’t wait.
Early action is critical, especially given New Mexico’s statute of limitations. Signs that warrant immediate legal advice include:
- Unexplained developmental delay,
- A history of complications during delivery, and
- A lack of answers from medical providers about your concerns.
Your baby’s health and future are too important to leave to chance. If you’re worried about your 2-month-old not lifting their head during tummy time, Poulos & Coates is here to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us be the legal champions you need to hold negligent providers accountable and secure justice for your family.
Greig Coates, M.D., J.D.
Over the last thirty years, Dr. Coates has successfully represented plaintiffs in every conceivable type of medical malpractice lawsuit–from single-physician cases to complex litigation involving over a dozen doctors and several hospitals. Dr. Coates has taken several thousand physician depositions in his career involving every known physician specialty and sub-specialty, and almost as many depositions involving hospital personnel such as nurses, techs, and administrators. He has tried several dozen cases to successful verdicts.
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