When you are pregnant,
you expect to be in a healthy condition. 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.
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.
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 a blood transfusion: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
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.
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 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.
2. 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.
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.
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