A recent article from Medwire News shows that a study conducted by The Mount Sinai School of Medicine and New York University may reveal telling patterns about how socioeconomics and race play into detection and diagnosis of fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) and birth injury.
The findings reported that Caucasian and Hispanic babies were 89% and 85% more likely, respectively, to receive a diagnosis than were babies born to African-American parents.
Babies born to lower income parents or those living in Southern states were 15% and 22% less likely to be diagnosed with FMH. But just what is fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) and why is a diagnosis important? The condition occurs when the fetus loses blood cells to the maternal circulation system. This happens naturally and without injury during many pregnancies but when there is trauma during pregnancy or birthing then it may cause damage to the child.
The condition can lead to:
- seizures;
- shock;
- asphyxia; and
- stillbirth.
While the study notes that FMH cannot always be detected before delivery, the ability to recognize its signs during the delivery process is crucial. When risk factors like premature birth and umbilical cord complications occur, medical professionals must act accordingly, whether with blood transfusions, mechanical ventilators or central lines as necessary.
If your baby suffered injuries from FMH in Kentucky, a birth injury lawyer may be able to help you make sense of what happened and figure out what to do next.
If You’re a Parent in Kentucky Dealing with a Birth Injury, Call Us
If you’re a parent in Kentucky who is grappling with the life-altering effect of a birth injury, a lawyer at Gray & White can help. We represent families in Louisville and throughout the state with every aspect of their birth injury claims.
If someone you love was the victim of medical negligence in Kentucky, contact us today for a free evaluation of your case – 1-888-450-4456 or 1-502-210-8942.