Intrauterine Fetal Blood Transfusion for Rh Disease Treatment
Overview Back to top A blood transfusion is given to replace
fetal red blood cells that are being destroyed by the Rh-
sensitized mother's immune system. This treatment is meant to
keep the fetus healthy until he or she is mature enough to be
delivered. Transfusions can be given through the fetal abdomen
or, more commonly, by delivering the blood into the umbilical
vein. Umbilical cord vessel transfusion is the preferred method
because it permits better absorption of blood and has a higher
survival rate than does transfusion through the abdomen. 1 An
intrauterine fetal blood transfusion is done in the hospital.
The mother may have to stay overnight after the procedure. - The
mother is sedated, and an ultrasound image is obtained to
determine the position of the fetus and placenta. - After the
mother's abdomen is cleaned with an antiseptic solution, she is
given a local anesthetic injection to numb the abdominal area
where the transfusion needle will