Transfusion in the womb

Feb 25 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

Q What is an intrauterine transfusion?

A This is a blood transfusion given to a baby before it is born.

Q How do you give a baby blood while it is in the womb?

A A fine needle is passed through the woman’s abdomen and the wall of the uterus and into one of the blood vessels in the baby’s umbilical cord or liver. The whole of the procedure is carried out under scan guidance and takes around half-an-hour.

Q Is it dangerous for the baby?

A There is a one-in-50 risk of triggering a miscarriage or premature labour by carrying out an intrauterine transfusion. There is a very small risk of an infection developing inside the uterus and, very occasionally, the baby may react to the blood transfusion and its heart may slow down. There may also be a need to deliver the baby immediately by an emergency caesarean section.