Anemia is a condition characterized by a reduced level of red blood cells in the blood. While anemia is common, it can be dangerous for a fetus when undiagnosed during a woman’s pregnancy. If harmed, call anemia lawyers in New York at Gacovino, Lake & Associates: 800-550-0000.
Understanding Anemia During Pregnancy
When a woman has anemia, her blood lacks a sufficient number of red blood cells. Red blood cells are extremely important and are responsible for carrying oxygen to different organs and tissues throughout the body. During pregnancy, red blood cells carry oxygen to a baby, too. Anemia usually results in weakness or fatigue.
There are three different types of anemia during pregnancy. The first type is called iron-deficiency anemia. During this type of anemia, not only does a woman’s body not have enough red blood cells, but it also doesn’t have enough iron (which is the cause for the lack of hemoglobin). Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia during pregnancy.
The second type of anemia during pregnancy is folate-deficiency anemia. Folate is a type of B vitamin and is often known as folic acid. Folic acid is extremely important for the normal growth and function of red blood cells; if folate levels are low, a fetus will not be able to mature normally.
Finally, the third type of anemia during pregnancy is anemia that’s caused by a vitamin B12deficiency. Sufficient levels of B12 prevent anemia and help to keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy.
Dangers of Anemia During Pregnancy
Iron, folate and vitamin B12 are all essential for the healthy and normal growth of a fetus during the gestation period. When a deficient amount of vitamin B12, folic acid or iron causes anemia, a fetus is at risk of developmental delays and even birth defects. Folate-deficiency anemia, for example, may be linked with spinal bifida and other spinal and neural tube defects.
The fetuses of pregnant women who are deficient in levels of vitamin B12 are also at risk for birth defects, such as neural tube defects. Additionally, preterm labor may occur. Iron-deficiency anemia has been linked to a higher risk of having a pre-term pregnancy.
Diagnosing Anemia
Diagnosing anemia in pregnant women is simple. Usually, diagnosis occurs through a routine blood test. Despite the simplicity of the test, many prenatal care providers fail to check women for anemia throughout the duration of their pregnancies or fail to treat the anemia properly. When a healthcare provider fails to administer care, he or she may be considered negligent. If the negligence causes harm to a fetus or newborn, or the mother herself, then the healthcare provider may be liable for damages.
Liability is proven throughout the course of a medical malpractice lawsuit for damages. If liability is determined, then the healthcare provider will be responsible for paying damages that the mother and child suffered because of negligent care. This requires proving not only negligence, but also establishing the types and degree of damages that the victims suffered.
Contact Anemia Attorneys in New York Today
If you suffered from undiagnosed or untreated anemia throughout your pregnancy, and if the anemia caused your baby harm, then you may be able to file a medical malpractice suit for damages as soon as possible. If you need help understanding medical malpractice laws and how to prove negligence and liability, call the anemia lawyers in New York at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. now. Call us at 800-550-0000 or use the form on our contact page to reach us.
