Intrauterine Blood Transfusion
What is Intrauterine Blood Transfusion?
It is a procedure by which blood transfusion is given to the fetus, usually through the umbilical cord or portal vein, in case of anaemia in the baby. Intrauterine transfusion is done to prevent fetal heart failure and to allow the pregnancy to continue till the term. This is usually done after 24 weeks in discussion with a fetal medicine specialist.
The Procedure
Two methods by which fetal blood transfusion is done are Intravascular transfusion and Intraperitoneal transfusion. In Intravascular transfusion, blood is transfused through a needle into the umbilical cord or portal vein and in Intraperitoneal transfusion, blood is transfused into the abdomen of the fetus through a needle.
In cases of severe fetal anaemia, mainly due to RH Isoimmunization, in pregnancies with Parvovirus B19 infection, Placental Chorioangioma.