Contents:
- Medical Video: Blood transfusion - patient information
- Various causes of blood transfusion are needed during pregnancy
- Non-emergency situation
- In an emergency situation
- Questions about blood transfusion when the mother is pregnant
- 1. How safe is the blood that I get?
- 2. How can the blood I get fit?
- 3. Do I really have to get a blood transfusion?
- 4. Can I refuse to have a blood transfusion?
- What is the process of blood transfusion during pregnancy?
- During blood transfusions
- After blood transfusion
Medical Video: Blood transfusion - patient information
When you are pregnant, you expect to be in a healthy condition always. You always take care of food and pay attention to your steps. However, sometimes there are unexpected things that happen, such as severe anemia or other conditions that require blood transfusions during pregnancy as a solution.
READ ALSO: Blood Donation: 8 Things You Must Know
Blood transfusion is the activity of giving blood from someone to another person, also known as a blood donor. Usually this procedure is done to save the life of someone who loses a lot of blood. In addition, blood donation can be used as an alternative to treat severe anemia. Anemia is a natural thing that happens during pregnancy. Symptoms of anemia can include difficulty breathing, fatigue, fainting, headaches, and rapid heart beat. In severe cases, hemoglobin can decrease beyond normal limits. When that happens you will feel very unwell, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
READ ALSO: Effects of Iron Deficiency and Anemia in Pregnancy
Various causes of blood transfusion are needed during pregnancy
Blood transfusion can occur early in pregnancy, during pregnancy, until the birth process. There are several conditions that require pregnant women to get blood transfusions, namely:
Non-emergency situation
You have acute anemia, even before the baby is born. This condition is certainly risky, there is even the possibility that when you are slightly injured during childbirth, you may get severe anemia
You will experience bleeding during childbirth, but the bleeding will eventually stop. If you feel weak and unable to care for your baby, maybe you will be offered to get a blood transfusion. Symptoms that appear can be recognized quickly after you give birth, such as dizziness or shortness of breath when you wake up.
In an emergency situation
Emergency blood transfusions during pregnancy are needed when you experience severe bleeding. If you don't get a blood donor, you can experience serious pain, even the severe impact can cause death. Severe bleeding can occur when:
- Miscarriage during early pregnancy or the condition of an ectopic pregnancy - the fetus grows outside the uterus
- After 24 weeks of pregnancy, this bleeding is usually called antepartum
- During the delivery process or shortly after giving birth, it is also known as postpartum bleeding
READ ALSO: Preparations To Be Done Before Blood Donation
Questions about blood transfusion when the mother is pregnant
When your doctor decides to give a blood transfusion to you, you might have some questions about blood donation. You might worry that the blood you get will affect the development of your fetus during pregnancy. Here are some questions you can ask your doctor about blood transfusion procedures:
1. How safe is the blood that I get?
You should not need to worry too much. Every blood donated will be collected by PMI, the security is guaranteed by the government. Every hospital has certain policies to regulate the supply of blood donors that they have is safe.
2. How can the blood I get fit?
You certainly already know the various types of blood groups. Even from a small age, you might know what kind of blood group you belong to. The doctor may check again, to make it more valid. In addition, you will also be tested for having rhesus positive or negative.
3. Do I really have to get a blood transfusion?
Before you decide to do a blood transfusion, make sure you have all the information needed. If you are still unsure, try asking your obstetrician again.
4. Can I refuse to have a blood transfusion?
The choice is always in your hands. During pregnancy, you may be asked if you object to a blood transfusion. If indeed it is for your personal reasons and beliefs, you should tell your obstetrician. Doctors can also arrange anticipation plans during your pregnancy, childbirth, and birth itself.
What is the process of blood transfusion during pregnancy?
The process itself is almost like a normal blood donor, the difference is that you do it during pregnancy. The blood received is a solution to support you and your fetus. Here's the description:
During blood transfusions
A small cannula or tube is inserted into a blood vessel in the hand. Then, the donor's blood moves and flows in the blood vessels that receive the donor. One blood supply usually takes three hours to donate. However, for emergency matters, transfusion can run quickly. You will also be monitored during a blood transfusion.
Even if it's safe, there's no guarantee that you won't get the side effects. You may experience severe side effects, although almost practically rarely. These symptoms can include breathing difficulties, severe headaches, and decreased blood pressure levels. If you experience such symptoms, transfusion may be stopped, the situation will be reviewed.
After blood transfusion
After the transfusion is complete, your hemoglobin will be checked again. this is done to find out whether or not the blood you have received is enough. You will also be asked to stay a few moments or days after the transfusion, depending on the situation you are going through. Your obstetrician will explain the results.
