Can Undiagnosed or Untreated Maternal Anemia Harm Babies?

 Posted on May 12, 2025 in Maternal Injuries

The human body needs sufficient iron to produce hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body through red blood cells. Anemia is a serious condition where the number of hemoglobin or red blood cells is too low. A fetus needs iron to develop properly, and expectant mothers need enough iron to support their own bodies as well as the fetus.

Anemia is a common complication during pregnancy, even if the mother was not anemic before becoming pregnant. In fact, around one-third of pregnant women in the U.S. are affected by anemia. Doctors should know this and be prepared to take appropriate actions to ensure the health of both the mother and child. Failure to do so is medical negligence, and it could cause maternal and birth injuries with far-reaching consequences. If untreated or undiagnosed maternal anemia affected you or your child, our experienced Cook County, IL birth injuries attorneys can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

How Can Doctors Detect Anemia in a Pregnant Woman?

Simple blood tests should reveal anemia. These tests assess various attributes of blood, including the size, number, and shape of red blood cells, as well as hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. Regular testing is often part of standard prenatal checkups, particularly if the mother has been anemic in the past or is experiencing symptoms. These symptoms include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

Depending on the test results, doctors may treat maternal anemia with iron, B12, and folic acid supplements. If the anemia is severe, a blood transfusion may be necessary. Many doctors routinely prescribe prenatal vitamins, which may include enough of these vital elements.

What Birth Injuries Can Result From Maternal Anemia?

Maternal anemia can cause various issues for unborn babies. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and cerebral palsy can both be caused by oxygen deprivation and birth asphyxia associated with maternal anemia. Babies may not fully develop, which could lead to life-threatening complications. Low birth weight and premature birth are other potential results. Fetal death can also occur.

Mothers who are anemic have increased risks of preeclampsia, which can also endanger the child. Anemic moms are also more likely to experience postpartum hemorrhage and infections.

When Are Conditions Caused by Maternal Anemia Medical Negligence?

Healthcare providers are expected to provide a high standard of care. Medical negligence in cases of harm caused by maternal anemia could include:

• Failing to perform blood tests or failing to order tests that specifically check for signs of anemia
• Failing to prescribe supplements to address the anemia or prescribing the wrong ones
• Failing to order a blood transfusion if necessary
• Failing to monitor the mother and the unborn baby
• Failing to take the mother’s symptoms seriously

To receive compensation, you must prove that the medical negligence directly caused specific harm to either the mother or the child. Damages in these cases can be extremely high, particularly if the child develops HIE, cerebral palsy, or another long-term condition as a result. Without one of our skilled attorneys as your advocate, you may not get nearly as much compensation as you deserve.

Discuss Your Case With Our Determined Cook County, IL Birth Injuries Lawyers

If medical negligence associated with maternal anemia harmed you or your newborn, the knowledgeable Chicago, IL maternal injuries attorneys at Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd. can help. We will investigate your situation, preserve supporting evidence, and work hard to maximize your compensation. Schedule your free case review today by contacting us at 312-462-4200 or online.