Maternal-fetal blood transfusion

Maternal-fetal blood transfusion occurs when there’s a mismatch or complication in blood compatibility between a pregnant woman and her fetus, often due to Rh incompatibility. If the mother’s immune system attacks the baby’s red blood cells, it can cause anemia and other health issues for the fetus. To prevent or treat this, a procedure called amniocentesis or intrauterine transfusion may be performed, where blood is directly transfused into the fetus’s umbilical vein. This helps restore healthy red blood cell levels, reducing risks of fetal anemia, jaundice, or even death, ensuring better outcomes for both mother and baby.