Maternal & Child Health
What is Maternal Transfusion?
Fetal-maternal haemorrhage is the loss of fetal blood cells into the maternal circulation. It takes place in normal pregnancies as well as when there are obstetric or trauma related complications to pregnancy.Is blood transfusion safe in pregnancy?Having a Blood Transfusion during PregnancyMost often, the transfusion required for pregnant and recently pregnant women only involves red blood cells. It is less likely platelets and plasma will be needed. In some cases, this rate of transfusion can be expedited.How is a fetal blood transfusion done?
An intrauterine transfusion provides blood to an Rh-positive fetus when fetal red blood cells are being destroyed by Rh antibodies. … Transfusions can be given through the fetal abdomen or, more commonly, by delivering the blood into the umbilical vein or artery. Many people who have surgery need blood transfusions because they lose blood during their operations. … You may need a blood transfusion if you have: A severe infection or liver disease that stops your body from properly making blood or some parts of blood. An illness that causes anemia, such as kidney disease or cancer. Can a baby have a blood transfusion in the womb?
If your baby develops rhesus disease while still in the womb, they may need to be given a blood transfusion before birth. This is known as intrauterine foetal blood transfusion. … A needle is usually inserted through the mother’s abdomen (tummy) and into the umbilical cord, so donated blood can be injected into the baby.
