Definition

A transfusion is giving healthy blood or blood products from a donor. In this case, red blood cells are given to an unborn baby (fetus).

There are two types of fetal blood transfusions:

• Intravascular (IVT)—blood is transfused to the umbilical cord
• Intraperitoneal (IPT)—blood is transfused to the fetus’s belly (less common)

Reasons for Procedure

A transfusion is needed when the fetus has severe anemia. Anemia is a low level of red blood cells. Severe anemia in a fetus can cause death. Anemia can be caused by:

• Rh incompatibility—proteins in the mother's blood destroy blood cells in the fetus.
• Parvovirus B19 infection—a viral infection in the mother.

Anemia can cause a problem called hydrops. Hydrops is severe, life-threatening swelling in the fetus. A fetal blood transfusion is done to:

• Prevent or treat fetal hydrops
• Continue the pregnancy

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

• Need for cesarean section—if the fetus has problems
• Premature rupture of membranes and/or premature labor
• Bleeding, cramping, or leaking fluid from vagina
• Infection in the uterus or fetus
• Injury to the fetus
• Giving too much blood
• The donor’s blood cells attack the fetus's blood cells—rare

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you have:

• Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
• Excess bleeding, redness, swelling, or discharge from the insertion site
• Pain you cannot control with the medicine
• Problems feeling the baby moving

Know the signs of early labor:

• A slow leak or sudden gush of fluid from the vagina
• Belly tightening
• Back pain that comes and goes
• Bleeding from the vagina

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.