If the blood of a mother contains antibodies which do not suit the blood type of the baby, blood incompatibilities happen for the newborn. The blood of the mother is transfused to the fetus through umbilical cord, which breaks down the red blood cells in the infant. In case of such incompatibility, the baby has a risk of having jaundice after delivery.
ABO blood incompatibility occurs in 20 to 25% of all pregnancies. This blood incompatibility is mild as compared to Rh incompatibility of blood. The most prominent occurrence of ABO incompatibility happens when the baby's blood type is either A or B and the mother's type of blood is O. However, prenatal testing for A and B type blood in infants is not recommended as this incompatibility poses minor medical conditions only.
The Rh type of blood is named after the rhesus monkeys used for research purposes in the 1940's. The Rh blood incompatibility has a great risk for both the mother and the infant. This incompatibility happens when the mother's blood type is Rh negative and father's blood type is Rh positive.
If your child suffers from birth injuries caused by undiagnosed or untreated Rh - ABO Incompatibility, you may be entitled to a compensation for the damages suffered.
Call 833-200-2000 now to schedule a free consultation with the medical malpractice lawyers at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano.
Consequences of Rh - ABO IncompatibilityIn case of Rh incompatibility between the mother and the fetus, the mother's blood antibodies destroy the red blood cells of the infant. This incompatibility arises several fatal blood related problems in newborns. The risk increases with second and consequent pregnancies of the Rh incompatible mothers. The first pregnancy of an Rh negative mother may not have as much difficulties related to incompatibility for the Rh positive infant as compared to the second and later pregnancies, which can have life-endangering health conditions.
Diagnosis and TreatmentFortunately, this incompatibility is detectable in early months of pregnancy. For treating it, doctors administer a shot to the mother in the 28th week of pregnancy and another after 72 hours of delivery. In case the antibodies already develop in the fetus, the doctors will closely monitor the levels. If the situation becomes dangerous while the baby is still inside the womb, the doctors may order exchange transfusion to the baby while inside the womb. Such blood transfusion stabilizes the situation. It is needed on rare occasions only.
ComplicationsRh disease can lead to the following complications for the newborn:
If a baby suffers injuries due to any medical condition that was not timely diagnosed and treated, it may be because of medical malpractice. Birth injuries can have life long effects on a child. Children who suffer birth injuries often require a variety of therapies including occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy; among others. One of the goals of a birth injury case is to ensure the child receives sufficient compensation so they can receive the best possible services available to them.
It is essential to timely contact an experienced malpractice lawyer as soon as possible so an evaluation can be performed whether a child's birth injury was due to medical malpractice. Our office uses medical experts outside of the area that will do a complete an objective evaluation on any potential case. If you have a question whether medical malpractice caused a birth injury, call DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers at 833-200-2000 or contact us online. Consultations are always free and you will never owe any legal fees unless we are able to recover compensation for you.