How Safe Is a Blood Transfusion?

Blood transfusions are meant to treat patients who are sick or injured. During pregnancy, proper care of the mother is an important concern. When that care involves a blood transfusion, there is an even greater level of concern.

Significance

A transfusion is a very important procedure. Total Pregnancy Care notes, "A blood transfusion can be a life-saving process. It is often done to replace blood that has been lost due to severe bleeding or in some cases for the treatment of severe anaemia."

Considerations

Where the blood comes from for a blood transfusion must be considered. The first choice has always been the father-to-be (if he meets donor criteria and his blood can be used), according to the American Red Cross, but now mothers-to-be can also store their own blood for possible use in transfusions.

Anemia and Transfusions

Anemia is a blood condition that affects pregnant women. Total Pregnancy Care defines anemia as "when the level of healthy haemoglobin in your blood is lower than normal." Severe cases of anemia are sometimes treated with transfusions.

Time Frame

Blood that is stored lasts only for a short period of time. The American Red Cross states, "Blood stored in the liquid state has a maximum shelf-life of six weeks."

Storage for Labor and Delivery

If a pregnant woman believes that she will need blood at the time of her baby's birth, she needs to plan ahead. The American Red Cross states that, if only one pint may be needed, the mother-to-be can store that less than six weeks prior to her due date. The blood can be frozen ahead of time if the mother-to-be or the doctor feels more than one pint is needed.

References

• American Red Cross; "Tranfusion Options For Pregnant Women"
• Total Pregnancy Care; "Blood transfusion, pregnancy and birth"

Resources

• American Red Cross