What is a fetal blood transfusion ?
A fetal blood transfusion is a procedure used to treat anemia in the fetus. Fetal anemia occurs when the baby's blood count is too low. The condition can be life threatening, which is why fetal blood transfusions need to be conducted shortly after discovering fetal anemia.
A fetal blood transfusion replaces the red blood cells that may have been destroyed by an infection or Rh incompatibility. Rh incompatibility occurs when the mother and her developing baby have different blood types, causing antibodies in the mother's blood to destroy red blood cells in the baby's blood.
Fetal blood transfusions are the most successful approach for transfusing blood directly into the baby and often lead to rapid improvement in the baby's health. In most cases, these transfusions occur between 19 and 35 weeks of completed pregnancy.
Guided by an ultrasound, they are administered through a needle in the maternal abdomen, which is then inserted into the umbilical cord or fetal abdomen in rare cases. Additional transfusions may be needed to keep the baby healthy until he or she is ready for delivery.

Can a baby have a blood transfusion in the womb ?
Transfusions can be given through the fetal abdomen or, more commonly, by delivering the blood into the umbilical vein or artery. Umbilical cord vessel transfusion is the preferred method, because it permits better absorption of blood and has a higher survival rate than does transfusion through the abdomen.

What causes fetal anemia ?
The most common cause for fetal anemia is an incompatibility between the blood type of the mother and the fetus, called isoimmunization. Under these circumstances, antibodies from the mother destroy the red blood cells of the fetus.

Our approach
For a fetal blood transfusion, you will have access to cutting-edge technology and some of the best diagnostic equipment in the region. A team of highly trained physicians, sonographers and nurses will study your medical history, conduct an in depth evaluation and order the proper tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
In most cases, our specialists can determine if a fetal blood transfusion is needed based off the findings of an ultrasound and blood tests.
If you need a fetal blood transfusion, we have the support services to completely handle your treatment, from the transfusion itself to early delivery in the event of an emergency. Our state-of-the-art technology, multidisciplinary specialists and collaborative approach allow us to offer excellent care every step of the way.

How does anemia affect baby during pregnancy ?
How does iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy affect the baby? Severe anemia during pregnancy increases your risk of premature birth, having a low birth weight baby and postpartum depression. Some studies also show an increased risk of infant death immediately before or after birth.

How does Anaemia cause fetal distress ?
Anemia can lead to many complications in the fetus. As with many fetal conditions, anemia can range from mild to severe. If the anemia is severe, the fetal heart tries to overcome the inadequate number or quality of red blood cells by pumping harder. This can result in fetal heart failure.

How to prepare ?
Ahead of your fetal blood transfusion, you will be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight before your procedure. You will also receive steroid injections as a precaution. These injections help develop your baby's lungs in case he or she needs to be delivered through an emergency C-section. You will also be given antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
On the day of the procedure, you will be offered optional local anesthesia. Your baby may also be given medicine to temporarily stop fetal movement during the procedure.
A fetal blood transfusion typically lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. During this time, your physician takes a blood sample from the baby to analyze the blood count and confirm fetal anemia. If fetal anemia is confirmed, your physician will begin the transfusion. The amount of blood transfused is based on the blood count and size of the fetus. Another sample will be taken after the transfusion is completed to confirm the baby's blood count is healthy.

How is a fetal blood transfusion done ?
Guided by an ultrasound, they are administered through a needle in the maternal abdomen, which is then inserted into the umbilical cord or fetal abdomen in rare cases. Additional transfusions may be needed to keep the baby healthy until he or she is ready for delivery.

Risks :
Because fetal blood transfusions are invasive procedures, there are a handful of risks associated with the treatment, including:
1. Infection to the mother, baby or both.
2. Fetal bleeding.
3. Blood clots that may cause the baby's heart rate to drop.
4. Emergency casarean section (C-section) in rare cases.