Home / Health / Baby's Life Saved by In-Utero Blood Transfusions
Baby's Life Saved by In-Utero Blood Transfusions
7 Feb
Summary
- Unborn baby received two blood transfusions while still in the womb.
- Mother was unaware such a procedure was even possible.
- NHS faces a significant annual shortfall of blood donors.
A mother has shared her experience of her unborn son receiving life-saving blood transfusions while still in the womb. Laura Fricker learned that her son, Sebastian, then 8, needed two intrauterine transfusions due to severe anaemia. She expressed complete surprise, stating she had no prior knowledge of such medical interventions being possible for fetuses.
This uncommon, highly specialized procedure is performed by experienced foetal medicine professionals when a foetus is found to be at risk of anaemia, often detected via ultrasound. Fricker underwent the transfusions at 17 and 19 weeks of pregnancy, involving a needle inserted through her abdomen into Sebastian's bladder to administer the blood.
The story emerges as the NHS Blood and Transplant service appeals for more donors, facing an annual deficit of over 200,000. They require around 1.8 million donations daily to maintain supply. The service is particularly seeking younger donors who can offer a lifetime of donations, emphasizing the profound impact these gifts have on recipients.
