Please help, 1st pregnancy, blood transfusion.

[ViktoriaMac]

Hello,

I am 18 weeks pregnant and I got a call back from hospital saying to see my GP urgently. I apparently have "chronic anaemia," with a haemoglobin count of 7. GP said that if I wasn't pregnant he would transfuse me, but to wait till Friday when I see midwife, but to expect to go into hospital if no or little change. Has anyone else had a blood transfusion in pregnancy. Are there long term complications with chronic anaemia that may effect the birth?

I have read all sorts of things about a 6 fold increase in still birth and a possible need for the baby to have a transfusion after the birth?

I was very anaemic (low point haemoglobin 5.7) almost all the way through my 2nd pregnancy and was given 4 units of blood at about the same stage as you.

My DD was born at 38 weeks and was very small - but it was the condition causing my anaemia that was probably responsible for that, not the anaemia per se - but perfectly formed and in astonishingly good health. She didn't even need special care despite her size (2.2kg, or just under 5lb I think).

Do you know if there is anything in particular causing your anaemia?

Hi castille,

Thanks for your reply. I don't know what the reason is for my anaemia, but my mum has it too (though not so low). Pleased to hear about your little girl.

What I meant to say is that no one mentioned to me the risk of still birth and the increased need for transfusion post-birth. Where have you read this?

We were told to expect DD2 to need more care than average and they did keep a close eye on her and me in hospital for 9 days but we were both fine (and that includes the birth which was quick and complication-free). She is 9 now and one of the tallest in her class

Make sure you write a list of questions for your midwife, and ask to see an obstetrician if you have any other worries - I was obstetrician monitored at the hosptial throughout my "high risk" pregnancy, and it was very reassuring.

Thanks again castille! Silly of me, I know, but I googled anaemia and pregnancy and came up with all sorts of scare stories. I'm seeing midwife on Friday.

Google is BAD, don't do it! I'm glad I didn't have the web at home 10 years ago or I'd have been terrified.

The blood transfusion should do you and your baby the world of good. Do update when you've seen the midwife, and good luck

You should get referred on to the Haematology team to investigate the problem

They can still give you blood transfusions or an iron infusion if you need it

Hey ladies,

Thanks a lot for your advice, just got back from midwife. They are now not sure if my anaemia is due to iron deficiency or not. They also think that I may be a carrier of alpha-thalassemia, so I had more blood tests today, which should be back on monday or tuesday, then I will see the consultant. Midwife seemed a lot more positive than the doctor.

V