Questions?What Is Intraventricular Hemorrhage?
Intraventricular hemorrhage occurs when blood vessels rupture and bleed into the brain’s ventricles, which are hollow spaces that hold cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
CSF protects and nourishes the brain, but when blood builds up in this space, it can damage nearby tissue and block fluid flow. In severe cases, bleeding can extend into the brain tissue itself, causing long-term harm.
Some babies recover from IVH with no complications. Others may develop lifelong conditions, depending on the severity and location of the bleeding.
When an intraventricular hemorrhage could have been prevented, families may be able to take legal action. An IVH lawyer can help determine what went wrong during delivery and whether medical negligence played a role.
Taking legal action can’t change what happened to your family, but it may provide financial support for long-term care and hold negligent health care providers accountable.
The Birth Injury Justice Center works with a trusted network of medical malpractice attorneys who can help families in all 50 states. Our legal partners have recovered over $1 billion for families affected by birth injuries.
Get a free case review now to see if we may be able to help your family, too.
Symptoms of Intraventricular Hemorrhage
In many cases, newborns with birth injuries show no immediate signs of injury. This is because symptoms may take time to appear or are mistaken for normal newborn behavior.
Other times, symptoms may appear while the baby is still in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or become noticeable after coming home.
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Apnea (pauses in breathing)
- Bulging fontanelles (soft spots on the head)
- High-pitched or unusual crying
- Lethargy or low energy
- Low muscle tone
- Pale or bluish skin
- Poor feeding or weak suck
- Seizures
- Slowed heart rate or reflexes
- Trouble staying awake or alert
Intraventricular hemorrhage symptoms can be easy to miss and are sometimes mistaken for typical preemie behavior.
If your baby was in the NICU or diagnosed with IVH, and you’re now noticing new or lingering concerns, contact your pediatrician as soon as possible.
If you still have questions about what caused your child’s condition or whether it could have been prevented, our labor and delivery nurses can help you understand what happened and what steps you can take next.
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What Causes IVH in Newborn Babies?
Intraventricular hemorrhage is most common in premature babies, whose brain blood vessels are especially fragile. Although prematurity raises the risk, IVH can sometimes be prevented with proper medical care.
IVH is rare in full-term babies and may point to complications during labor or mistakes in medical care. In either situation, IVH may be the result of medical malpractice.
- Fragile blood vessels in premature infants
- Lack of oxygen during birth (asphyxia)
- Maternal infections during pregnancy or birth
- Rapid changes in the baby’s blood pressure after birth
- Respiratory distress in premature babies
- Untreated maternal high blood pressure
Some cases of IVH cannot be prevented. But when doctors make avoidable mistakes, the consequences can be devastating.
Medical Negligence and Intraventricular Hemorrhage
IVH may be a sign that something went wrong before, during, or shortly after birth. While some cases happen despite proper care, others result from medical negligence, when doctors or nurses fail to meet accepted standards of care.
“There are clues that something is wrong. Medical negligence happens when those warning signs are ignored.”
— Beth Carter, RN, On-Staff Legal Nurse Consultant Certified
- Delaying a cesarean section (C-section) when complications arise
- Failing to monitor fetal distress during labor
- Mishandling a high-risk or premature delivery
- Misusing assisted delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors
- Withholding NICU care after signs of brain injury appear
When mistakes like these occur, IVH may have been preventable. If your child suffered a brain bleed and you believe your care team could have done more, you may have legal options.
Compensation from an intraventricular hemorrhage lawsuit may help cover the cost of lifelong medical care and more.
Most parents are never told that IVH could be linked to a preventable medical mistake. If your baby was born premature, needed NICU care, or showed signs of a brain bleed, medical negligence may have played a role.
Get a free case review now to find out if we can connect you with a top IVH attorney near you.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage Grades
Doctors classify intraventricular hemorrhages into four grades based on how much bleeding has occurred and how far it has spread.
- Grade 1 IVH: Bleeding is limited to a small area of the ventricles (germinal matrix)
- Grade 2 IVH: Blood is present in the ventricles, but without enlargement
- Grade 3 IVH: Blood fills and enlarges the ventricles
- Grade 4 IVH: Blood extends into brain tissue, causing direct injury
Grade 1 and 2 IVH are considered mild and often do not result in long-term complications. In these cases, the bleeding is contained and may resolve on its own.
Grade 3 and 4 IVH are more severe. The buildup of blood can damage nearby brain tissue or block the normal flow of CSF.
Complications of IVH in Neonates
The more severe the brain bleed, the higher the risk of long-term harm. IVH can damage delicate brain tissue and interfere with normal development. Learn more about intracranial hemorrhage complications below.
IVH Grade 1 Long-Term Effects
Grade 1 IVH is the mildest form of intraventricular hemorrhage. The bleeding is limited to the germinal matrix, and it does not enter the brain’s ventricles.
Most babies with Grade 1 IVH have normal outcomes, especially when the bleed is identified and monitored early. Long-term effects are rare but may include subtle learning or attention issues that show up later in childhood.
IVH Grade 2 Long-Term Effects
In Grade 2 IVH, blood enters the ventricles but does not cause swelling or pressure. Many babies with this grade of bleeding develop normally, especially with routine follow-up care.
However, some may experience mild motor, speech, or other developmental delays that benefit from early intervention. Ongoing monitoring during infancy and toddlerhood is often recommended.
IVH Grade 3 Long-Term Effects
Grade 3 IVH occurs when enough blood enters the ventricles to cause them to enlarge, putting pressure on surrounding brain tissue. This increases the risk of complications.
- Cerebral palsy (CP): Movement disorder that affects muscle control
- Cognitive delays: Slower thinking, learning, or problem-solving skills
- Hydrocephalus: Buildup of fluid in the brain that can cause head swelling
Some children with Grade 3 IVH may need surgery, such as a shunt (small, flexible tube placed in the brain) to drain fluid.
Long-term effects can range from mild motor difficulties to more significant disabilities, depending on how early the condition is treated and whether additional brain damage occurs.
IVH Grade 4 Long-Term Effects
Grade 4 IVH is the most severe. In these cases, bleeding extends into the brain tissue itself, often causing permanent brain damage.
Babies who live may require lifelong therapy, special education services, and assistive devices. The outlook depends on the extent of the brain injury and how quickly care is provided.
Grade 4 IVH can change the course of a child’s life. If your baby was diagnosed with a severe brain bleed and now needs long-term care, you may be entitled to financial support through an IVH claim.
Conditions Related To Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Intraventricular hemorrhage is one type of intracranial hemorrhage, a group of serious brain injuries caused by bleeding inside or around the brain. IVH often occurs alongside or as a result of other types of brain bleeds in newborns.
Learn more about other types of brain bleeds in babies below.
Germinal Matrix Hemorrhage
A germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) occurs when fragile blood vessels near the brain’s ventricles rupture. This is the most common cause of IVH in premature babies.
In mild cases, the bleeding stays confined to this area. In more severe cases, it spreads into the ventricles and becomes IVH.
GMH can damage brain tissue and may lead to long-term complications if not diagnosed and managed early.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage
An intracerebral hemorrhage involves bleeding directly into the brain tissue. This type of brain bleed is less common in newborns but may result from trauma or severe IVH.
It can cause significant brain damage, seizures, or paralysis, depending on the location and amount of bleeding.
Periventricular Hemorrhage
Periventricular hemorrhage (PVH) refers to bleeding around the ventricles rather than inside them. PVH and IVH are closely related and often grouped together, especially in preterm infants.
When bleeding in this area affects the white matter of the brain (periventricular leukomalacia), it may disrupt signals that control movement, increasing the risk of cerebral palsy and other motor impairments.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
A subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding between the brain and the thin layers of tissue that cover it. This type of bleed can interfere with blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain.
In newborns, it may cause seizures, apnea, or lethargy, and in severe cases, long-term neurological injury.
Subdural Hemorrhage
A subdural hemorrhage occurs when blood collects between the outermost layer of the brain and the skull. It is often caused by birth trauma, particularly with forceps or vacuum deliveries.
If left untreated, it can increase pressure on the brain and cause permanent damage or death.
How Is Intraventricular Hemorrhage Diagnosed in Babies?
Doctors use imaging tests to confirm whether a baby has an intraventricular hemorrhage or another type of brain bleed.
The most common diagnostic tool is a cranial ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create real-time images of the baby’s brain.
Ultrasound is safe, non-invasive, and effective for detecting bleeding in or around the brain’s ventricles.
- All babies born before 30 weeks of pregnancy
- Full-term babies with symptoms that may suggest IVH
For premature babies, the first ultrasound may be performed within the first few days of life, with a follow-up scan around 7 to 14 days to assess any changes. These scans can help determine the presence, location, and grade of the hemorrhage.
If a baby’s condition worsens or if doctors suspect a more severe or complex brain injury, they may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
MRI provides more detailed images and is often used later in the hospital stay or after discharge to assess long-term damage or track developmental progress.
Early diagnosis is critical for monitoring the baby’s condition, planning care, and evaluating potential long-term effects.
Treatment for Intraventricular Hemorrhage
There is no way to stop an intraventricular hemorrhage once bleeding begins. For this reason, doctors focus on preventing IVH in high-risk pregnancies.
This may involve giving corticosteroids (medications that help strengthen the baby’s brain and lungs) and ensuring early delivery takes place at a hospital with a NICU.
When IVH is diagnosed, birth injury treatment focuses on stabilizing the baby and managing complications. In more serious cases, long-term care may be needed to address brain damage or fluid buildup in the brain.
- Blood transfusions to treat anemia
- Medication to control seizures or manage hydrocephalus
- Ongoing oxygen or fluid support as needed
- Spinal taps or shunts to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid
For many families, treatment continues well after the NICU stay. The costs of care, therapy, and equipment can add up quickly, and some parents must reduce work hours or stop working altogether to care for their child.
Seeking money through an IVH settlement can help cover these expenses and secure the financial support your family needs.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage Prognosis
A baby’s prognosis (long-term outlook) depends heavily on the grade of intraventricular hemorrhage and whether treatment begins early.
Lower-grade bleeds generally have better outcomes, while higher grades carry more serious risks. Infants with mild IVH have “outcomes similar” to other premature babies with no brain bleeds at all, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
For example, a grade 2 IVH prognosis is often favorable. Many babies with this type of bleeding develop normally, though some may need developmental monitoring and early intervention for mild delays.
Unfortunately, the grade 4 brain bleed prognosis is more serious. Grade 4 IVH involves bleeding into the brain tissue itself, which can lead to permanent brain damage.
- Cerebral palsy
- Long-term brain injuries
- Major motor skill impairments
- Significant developmental delays
Sadly, some infants with grade 4 IVH do not survive. The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that as many as 33% of babies with severe IVH pass away during infancy.
Even when babies recover, close medical follow-up is critical. Experts recommend monitoring for at least the first three years of life to detect and treat delays as early as possible.
Can You Prevent an Intraventricular Hemorrhage?
There is no way to stop an intraventricular hemorrhage once bleeding has started. That’s why prevention is critical, especially in pregnancies at risk for early delivery.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends giving corticosteroid medications to women at risk of premature birth, typically between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation.
These steroids help strengthen the baby’s lungs and brain blood vessels, reducing the risk of IVH after delivery.
- Delaying umbilical cord clamping in premature babies to allow more blood flow from the placenta
- Ensuring delivery takes place at a hospital with a NICU, so premature babies can receive immediate specialized care
- Monitoring high-risk pregnancies closely and acting quickly if signs of early labor or complications appear
- Providing vitamin K to mothers on blood-thinning medications and to newborns after birth to support healthy clotting
When medical teams follow these steps, some cases of intraventricular hemorrhage can be prevented. However, when they fail to act or overlook risks, families may be left to deal with the lifelong consequences.
Get Legal Help for Intraventricular Hemorrhage
If your child’s intraventricular hemorrhage was preventable or improperly managed, you may be eligible to take legal action.
Medical errors during delivery or poor care in the NICU can lead to severe brain bleeds, sometimes causing lasting harm.
Caring for a child with severe IVH-related complications often requires around-the-clock care, specialized equipment, therapy, and ongoing medical support.
A birth injury lawsuit can help cover the cost of treatment and hold health care providers accountable for the harm they caused.
The Birth Injury Justice Center works with experienced birth injury lawyers who can help families in all 50 states.
Our legal partners have secured more than $1 billion for families affected by preventable birth injuries like IVH, and they may be able to help your family, too.
Call us at (800) 914-1562 right now or fill out our case review form to see if we may be able to help you seek the justice and compensation your family deserves.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage FAQs
What is intraventricular hemorrhage?
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a type of brain bleed that occurs when fragile blood vessels rupture and leak blood into the brain’s ventricles. These fluid-filled spaces protect and cushion the brain. IVH is most common in premature babies.
What are the symptoms of intraventricular hemorrhage?
Intraventricular hemorrhage symptoms can be hard to recognize at first, especially in premature infants. Some signs may appear within the first few days of life, while others may be delayed.
Common symptoms of IVH include:
- Lethargy, low energy, or unusual sleepiness
- Pale or bluish skin
- Poor feeding or weak suck
- Seizures
- Weak muscle tone
In some cases, IVH causes no visible symptoms at first and may only be detected through imaging, such as a cranial ultrasound. Early diagnosis and close monitoring are critical.
What is the cause of intraventricular hemorrhage?
In premature babies, IVH is often caused by the rupture of underdeveloped blood vessels in the brain. In full-term infants, IVH may result from delivery trauma, lack of oxygen during birth, untreated maternal conditions, or improper care in the NICU.
When IVH is caused by delayed decisions, poor monitoring, or delivery mistakes, medical negligence may be involved.
Get a free case review to find out if your child’s brain bleed could have been prevented.
What can cause a brain bleed in a 3-month-old baby?
A brain bleed in a 3-month-old may be caused by head trauma, abuse (such as shaken baby syndrome), a bleeding disorder, or a delayed complication from a condition present at birth, such as IVH or hydrocephalus. Always seek immediate medical attention.
Can babies recover from IVH?
Many babies with mild IVH (grade 1 or 2) recover fully without long-term problems. More severe IVH (grade 3 or 4) can lead to lasting complications such as cerebral palsy or developmental delays, but early treatment and therapy may improve outcomes.
If you’re worried your child may face permanent challenges from a brain bleed, you’re not alone. Families often need long-term medical care, therapy, and home support — all of which can be expensive.
Call us at (800) 914-1562 right now or Click to Live Chat to see if we can help you file your IVH claim and pursue the financial support your child may need.
What is the survival rate for intraventricular hemorrhage?
Survival depends on the severity of the bleed. Most babies with mild IVH survive and do well. For babies with severe IVH, the survival rate drops significantly.
Studies show that up to one-third of infants with grade 4 IVH do not survive.
Can you live a normal life after a brain hemorrhage?
Many babies with mild IVH can go on to live full, healthy lives. For those with more severe brain bleeds, long-term effects may include physical or cognitive disabilities.
With early intervention and ongoing support, some children can achieve a good quality of life.
