Blood transfusions can be crucial to expecting mothers not only during pregnancy but also after giving birth. The blood type of both the expectant mother and that of her spouse (the expectant) father plays a key role in deciding whether a mother could need a transfusion or not.
THE RHESUS FACTOR: EITHER YOU HAVE IT OR YOU DON’T
The Rhesus Factor is when you have the D antigen or protein that surround your red blood cells. You can be either Rh+ or Rh-. Women that are Rh- are more likely to get pregnant by males who are Rh+, and this is where the problem is caused. In these cases, the babies also become Rh+. This causes risks for the mother, as well as future pregnancies, because she is exposed to blood that does not match her body type.
With this, there is a possibility of certain complications during pregnancy if a mother who has an Rh-negative trait and the father has an Rh-positive mix during delivery, it can cause problems for the mother and the child. There’s also a possibility that red blood cells penetrate the placenta and attack the future Rh-positive baby in the subsequent pregnancies, which can be fatal.
Her body then starts to form antibodies to fight off the foreign blood from the baby, which it does not know. In most cases, the first baby comes out fine; however, future pregnancies are affected, because the antibodies are still in the mother’s system waiting to attack the foreign blood. This can cause medical issues for the mother, such as miscarriages, birth defects, and even death for future babies.
With her antibodies fighting off the baby’s blood, it can also cause the baby to have a low amount of red blood cells, which can result in the unborn child having severe anemia. At that point, a blood transfusion is administered to the baby in order to keep it healthy. It only takes a teaspoon of blood to help save a baby’s life. Of course, when giving birth, mothers tend to lose a lot of blood. Transfusions help the mother restore her blood levels to help recover the blood she lost.
There is a possibility of certain complications during pregnancy if a mother has an Rh-negative trait and the father has an Rh-positive. In most cases, the baby’s blood type will be Rh-positive, and if the blood of the mother and the child mix during delivery, it can cause problems for the mother and the child. There’s also a possibility that red blood cells penetrate the placenta and attack the future Rh-positive baby in the subsequent pregnancies, which can be fatal.
Rh-negative mothers need to take an antibody test to detect potential Rh-positive antibodies. It needs to be done at the beginning of the pregnancy. Because of that, it’s crucial to know your Rh type, and if you don’t know if, you should do a blood test to determine it once you get pregnant. You may also need to get an anti-D gamma globulin therapy, and your obstetrician will know if it’s necessary. The therapy prevents the production of Rh antibodies in the mother’s body that can harm the current baby or future ones.
Why Is Blood Transfusion During Pregnancy Needed?
Blood transfusion for pregnant women is different from conventional ones, as it only involves red blood cells. In rare cases, plasma and platelets are needed. Often family members are asked to donate blood to mothers if they are compatible.
During or after the procedure, there’s a possibility of side effects like headaches, fever, or rash. These side effects are often not severe and disappear in a day. However, if the symptoms continue, you shouldn’t ignore them, and it would be best to consult your health care provider.
More severe side effects and complications that can occur are severe headaches, difficulty breathing, and an abrupt drop in blood pressure. If any severe side effects happen, the doctor will stop the transfer, and it will not continue until the complications are treated.
Blood transfusion is not a common occurrence during pregnancy, and many women won’t experience it. However, if needed, it can be for two reasons; hemorrhaging or severe anemia.
Hemorrhaging
The most severe case in which a blood transfusion during pregnancy is needed is hemorrhaging or excessive bleeding. Hemorrhaging during delivery and after giving birth is expected; however, it can also happen during pregnancy after the 24th week. In most cases, it can lead to excessive blood loss, and due to that, a transfusion is needed.
Severe Anemia
Anemia is a common occurrence during pregnancy, and you may usually manage it without difficulty. However, some women develop anemia prior to pregnancy, which might make things more difficult. It may result in transfusion in some circumstances. It is required to treat severe anemia if the hemoglobin level is less than seven g/dl and the due date is approaching.
