Failure to address issues when a mother has an Rh negative blood type and her unborn child has Rh positive blood may be a form of improper prenatal care. When a healthcare provider acts in a careless or reckless manner and it results in illness or injuries, they could be held liable in a medical malpractice claim with which a Cleveland birth injury lawyer can help.

Failure to Address Incompatible Blood Types During Pregnancy

Part of receiving good prenatal care is being tested for Rh incompatibility, a result of the mother having Rh negative blood type and the baby having Rh positive blood. In second or subsequent pregnancies (although it can sometimes be a risk in first pregnancies), this incompatibility could lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia, which deprives the baby of oxygen.

However, with proper screening and prompt treatment, health problems can be addressed. If not, there may be legal recourse against the OB-GYN or others who are responsible for the pregnant woman’s medical care, and that of the fetus.

Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim Stemming from Improper Prenatal Care

In order to file a medical malpractice claim, it would need to be proven that negligence of the healthcare provider or others was responsible for any resulting injuries. One way to do this is by showing that Rh incompatibility wasn’t properly diagnosed or addressed.

A failure to conduct blood tests or follow-up tests that check for complications in the baby can show poor prenatal care. If the condition was diagnosed but proper treatment wasn’t given, such as injecting the mother with Rh immune globulin or giving the unborn baby a blood transfusion if necessary, this can show negligent medical care.

If the baby is born with hemolytic anemia and suffers brain damage or dies, compensation through a malpractice claim may be available. Damages may address medical costs, pain and suffering, wrongful death and more. Blood incompatibility during pregnancy is a serious health risk, but complications are usually preventable when the right type of prenatal care is given. A Cleveland birth injury lawyer can help if Rh negative-positive blood type incompatibility is not addressed.

Filed under Birth Injuries to Mothers.
Tags: Birth Injuries to Mothers