Blood transfusions for unborn babies

[Anna_due Dec]

I'm currently 18 weeks and have been told my baby will most likely need a blood transfusion at least once before she/he is born because my anti c levels are getting really high, really fast. Has anyone ever been through this..it sounds pretty scary.

 

[Agiboma]

Never herd of this but I didn't want to read and run hopefully someone has had experience with this

 

[sophd]

I've never heard of this also! It does sound scary. Hopefully someone on here can give you more info about it!

 

[cherylanne]

Hi hun, i know what this is and that your baby will recieve blood through the umbilical cord, but i have no experience of it. Just wanted to send you some hugs. Sorry i can't be of any help xx

 

[babybel]

Hi hun, I work at a fetal medicine centre where they carry out a few of these a week, may be able to be a teensy bit of help but have never been through it myself

xx

 

[Amy_T]

I haven't actually undergone this but been told it is a possibility for us as my baby has a condition which could mean it will be anaemic. Hope all goes well.

 

[burlygirl]

Hello, I know exactly what you are going through. My ten week old had 2 transfusions while I was pregnant. She was delivered early, but is healthy and well now. Here is some info to start...
Just because you have antibodies doesn't mean your baby will become anemic enough to need the transfusion. Starting at 20 weeks my doctors monitored my baby's blood flow with an ulrasound (dopplar). Every 2 weeks after that. The baby has to have severe anemia to need a transfusion. Most babies (especially if this is your first pregnancy with this problem) never need the transfusion. All babies with this condition get delivered by 38 weeks as they cannot monitor the blood flow in the brain past then. Transfusions are not preformed after 34 weeks.
If you want to look it up on the web, this condition is called Rh disease.

 

[November1984]

OP my thoughts are with you and your little one! Hugs. xx
How did your RH antibodies get "up there" to the negative blood type mommas?
I was told after all my Rhogam w/my first there was barely, BARELY a chance I would create antibodies with future pregnancies. Hmmmm. How does this happen?

 

[Anna_due Dec]

i have no idea how this happened. this is my 4th baby and the first time i've had this problem. when i see the specialist, i will be asking though. its a mystery to me.

 

[Tesa]

Hi

Ive just had my baby girl two weeks ago and she had two transfusions (platelet not blood but same process) before she was born at 28 weeks and nearly 32 weeks) It was so scary and I was honestly terrified beforehand but in the end it was not anywhere near as bad as I thought. It didnt hurt and baby coped fine. I was told there was two ways they could access the baby to transfuse - either into the umbilical cord or directly into a vein in the baby's liver. Our doctor went for the second option but again baby tolerated it very well.

I know however from experience that it doesnt matter how many stories you hear you will be scared about doing this. I just wanted to reassure you that it is more common that you may think and the people doing it are complete experts. PM me if you want more info.

I hope it all goes well for you and your baby

x