What Causes Frog Legs in Babies?

Newborns often display a variety of postures and movements as they adjust to life outside the womb. One common position some parents notice is a “frog-leg” posture, where the baby’s legs are spread outward at the hips with knees bent, resembling a frog’s stance. While this position can be normal in many cases, it may sometimes indicate underlying serious medical conditions. 

If your baby has suffered frog leg complications due to medical negligence, consult top-rated Indiana personal injury lawyers to discuss your case.

Frog Legs Developmental Factors

In many newborns, the frog-leg position is a natural consequence of fetal positioning in the womb. Because babies are curled up for months before birth, their hips remain in a flexed and abducted position. This posture gradually corrects itself as the baby grows and gains muscle strength.

Premature babies may exhibit the frog-leg position more prominently because they have had less time for muscle development in utero. Over time, as they develop stronger muscles, this posture usually resolves on its own.

Medical Causes of Frog Legs in Babies

While frog-leg positioning is often benign, persistent posturing beyond the newborn stage may indicate an underlying issue, such as:

Hypotonia (Low Muscle Tone)

Hypotonia, or reduced muscle tone, can result from various conditions, including genetic disorders, neurological impairments, or birth injuries. Babies with hypotonia may appear “floppy” and struggle to support their heads or limbs. Common causes include:

• Cerebral Palsy: A neurological disorder affecting muscle tone and coordination.
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): A genetic condition causing progressive muscle weakness.
• Down Syndrome: A chromosomal disorder associated with hypotonia and developmental delays.

Hip Dysplasia (Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip – DDH)

Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to instability. This condition is more common in:

• Breech babies, who may have abnormal positioning in the womb
• Babies swaddled too tightly, which can restrict hip movement and exacerbate the condition
• Genetically predisposed infants, particularly those with a family history of hip issues

Signs of DDH include asymmetrical leg folds, reduced leg mobility, and a noticeable hip “click” during movement. If left untreated, DDH can lead to long-term mobility issues.

Birth Trauma or Nerve Injury

Difficult deliveries, particularly those involving prolonged labor, forceps, or vacuum extraction, can cause birth injuries that impact muscle tone and limb positioning. Brachial plexus injuries, for example, can affect arm movement, while sciatic nerve damage might influence leg positioning.

Diagnosing and Managing Frog-Leg Positioning

If a baby maintains the frog-leg posture beyond the first few months, medical evaluation is recommended. A pediatrician may perform the following:

• Physical examination to assess muscle tone and joint stability
• Ultrasound or x-ray to check for hip dysplasia
• Genetic or neurological testing if a disorder like SMA or cerebral palsy is suspected

Treatment depends on the cause:

• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and encourage normal movement
• Hip braces or harnesses (e.g., Pavlik harness) for infants diagnosed with hip dysplasia
• Surgical intervention in severe cases of hip dysplasia or nerve damage
• Early intervention programs for babies with hypotonia or developmental delays

Common Types of Medical Negligence that Lead to Baby Frog Legs

Our Indiana birth injury attorneys at Wagner Reese, LLP have extensive experience identifying and proving liability for medical negligence that may contribute to a baby’s frog legs condition. If your baby’s complication resulted from preventable birth injuries caused by medical malpractice, we will use Indiana law to your full advantage and recover maximum compensation.  

Oxygen Deprivation (Hypoxia)

When a baby suffers oxygen deprivation during labor and delivery, it can lead to cerebral palsy or other neuromuscular disorders, causing abnormal muscle tone and postural issues like persistent frog legs.

Improper Use of Birth-Assisting Tools

The negligent use of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause nerve damage, affecting a baby’s hip and leg positioning. Excessive force may result in brachial plexus injuries, hip dysplasia, or fractures that contribute to abnormal leg posture.

Failure to Diagnose and Treat Hip Dysplasia

Physicians must promptly detect developmental hip dysplasia (DDH), a common condition that can present as persistent frog-leg positioning. Failure to diagnose and treat DDH can result in long-term mobility issues and the need for corrective surgery.

Undiagnosed Neuromuscular Disorders

Conditions like spinal muscular atrophy or cerebral palsy may be overlooked due to inadequate monitoring or misdiagnosis. Early intervention is vital, and a delayed or missed diagnosis could indicate medical negligence.

Choose Our Proven Indiana Birth Injury Attorneys to Recover Maximum Damages

At Wagner Reese, LLP, we aggressively investigate medical records, consult leading experts, and build strong cases to hold negligent medical providers accountable. If you suspect medical malpractice contributed to your baby’s frog legs condition, reach out to us today to explore your legal options. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (888) 204-8440 or contact us online.