Blood transfusion during pregnancy
A blood transfusion
is a commonly performed procedure in which blood is injected intravenously into
one of the blood vessels. Blood transfusion during pregnancy is not something
most women want to think about. However, two conditions may require a blood
transfusion during pregnancy.
What are the reasons for a blood transfusion during pregnancy?
There are two main
reasons why you may need a blood transfusion during pregnancy. These include
developing severe anemia shortly before delivery or bleeding at some point
during pregnancy.
Iron-deficiency anemia
After assessing your
hemoglobin, a healthcare professional can diagnose the extent of your anemia.
For patients diagnosed with severe anemia, it is important to determine the
causes and choose the optimal treatment.
Although it can be
difficult to pinpoint the exact causes of anemia, especially if a combination
of factors has led to the anemia, the frequency of anemia in a particular area
can sometimes provide clues to its cause. For example, in areas where malaria
is prevalent, treatment will be adjusted based on the possibility of malaria.
Your doctor will prescribe antimalarial drugs, possibly in combination with
other treatments.
If you have a
hemoglobin level below 7 g/dL and are 34 weeks or more pregnant, a blood
transfusion will be discussed. Hemoglobin levels below 5 g/dl significantly
increase the risk of death. It is very important that you get a transfusion
before very serious anemia develops. In addition, it is imperative that severe
anemia is effectively treated before delivery. Often, parents who want to
donate blood are asked to give a transfusion.
Bleeding
Hemorrhage is
excessive bleeding in an emergency. This bleeding can lead to severe anemia.
Transfusion is often necessary to counteract excessive blood loss. Bleeding can
occur at any time during pregnancy. If you have a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, it can lead to bleeding early in your pregnancy.
Bleeding after the
24th week of pregnancy is also possible. You are probably most familiar with
the possibility of bleeding during and immediately after childbirth, which are
called intrapartum hemorrhage and postpartum hemorrhage, respectively. Although
doctors try to avoid the need for a blood transfusion, in certain conditions it
is absolutely necessary to save your life and the life of your child.
Blood transfusion during pregnancy
Most often, only red
blood cells are involved in the transfusion needed by pregnant and recently
pregnant women. Platelets and plasma are unlikely to be required. To receive a
transfusion, a small tube will be inserted into a vein in your arm or forearm.
The transfused blood
will pass through your body in drops. Each bag contains approximately 1/3 liter
of blood and takes approximately 3 hours to transfuse completely. In some
cases, this rate of transfusion can be accelerated.
What are the side effects of a blood transfusion during pregnancy
You will be under
close medical supervision during any blood transfusion during pregnancy.
Minor side effects
include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Rash/itchiness
- These side effects can be alleviated by medication and typically get better in one day.
More serious
complications include the following:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe headache
- An abrupt drop in blood pressure that may be characterized as life-threatening
As soon as you
experience side effects, the transfusion will be stopped and your current
situation will be assessed before continuing. In the setting of massive
transfusion or multiple transfusions, more serious pregnancy complications may
occur.
These complications
include:
- Hypothermia
- Hyperkalemia – electrolyte imbalance involving low potassium levels
- Hypocalcemia – low calcium levels
- Coagulopathy – clotting factors are diluted leading to weakened or impaired coagulation
- 2, 3- Dipropylene glycol depletion – depletion of a blood
component that regulates how easily oxygen is moved from hemoglobin into tissue
- Jaundice
- Infection
- Alloimmunization
- Transfusion Reactions
When these serious
side effects are felt, the medical team will intervene.
If you are asked to receive a blood transfusion, make sure you understand all the options available to you. If it's an emergency, your doctor will likely make an informed decision for you. You can refuse a blood transfusion or change your mind at any time, but be aware that in some cases a blood transfusion may be the only way to save your life. If you have questions about your options or concerns about the safety of a blood transfusion, you can talk to your doctor.