Featal anemia

Fetal anemia, also called erythrocytopenia, occurs when a baby has a low red blood cell count before birth. Fetal hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in a fetus’s blood, can be impacted by this condition.

At the Center for Fetal Care, you can expect comprehensive care for your developing baby. Our team of fetal surgeons, maternal-fetal medicine specialists and neonatal and pediatric specialists work together as a team to give your newborn the care they need.

What is fetal anemia?

Fetal anemia is a condition where your baby has a low red blood cell count while still in the womb. Without enough healthy red blood cells, your baby’s organs may not receive the oxygen they need. This can lead to complications ranging from growth restrictions to life-threatening issues.

How does fetal anemia affect your baby?

When your baby experiences anemia in the womb, their body has to work harder to maintain oxygen levels. Severe anemia may lead to hydrops fetalis, a condition where fluid builds up in the baby’s body which can be life-threatening.

Other complications may include:

• Impaired growth: Without adequate oxygen, your baby’s growth and development may slow down.
• Heart strain: The baby’s heart may work harder, potentially leading to heart failure.
• Increased risk of preterm birth: Severe cases may necessitate early delivery to protect your baby’s health.

What causes fetal anemia?

Several factors can contribute to anemia in a fetus. Common causes include:

• Incompatibility between the mother's blood and fetal blood: This occurs when the mother’s immune system attacks the baby’s red blood cells.
• Infections: Certain infections, such as parvovirus B19, can destroy fetal red blood cells.
• Genetic disorders: Conditions like thalassemia can impair red blood cell production.
• Bleeding: Hemorrhaging within the placenta or between the fetus and mother can reduce the baby’s red blood cell count.
• Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: In twins sharing a placenta, blood flow imbalances can leave one baby anemic.

How do you detect fetal anemia?

Detecting fetal anemia often starts with routine prenatal care with your OB-GYN. If your provider suspects anemia, they may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as:

• Non invasive Doppler ultrasound: This imaging test measures blood flow in the baby’s middle cerebral artery.
• Taking a sample of the amniotic fluid: This allows your doctor to check your baby’s hemoglobin levels and overall health.
• Blood tests from the umbilical cord: This involves sampling blood from the umbilical cord to directly measure red blood cell counts and fetal hemoglobin levels.

What is fetal hemoglobin?

Fetal hemoglobin is a special type of hemoglobin found in your baby’s blood before birth. It’s designed to efficiently carry oxygen from your blood to your baby. This type of hemoglobin begins to diminish after birth as the baby’s body starts producing adult hemoglobin.

When fetal anemia occurs, the amount and functionality of fetal hemoglobin can be compromised, impacting your baby’s oxygen supply.

What is the range for fetal anemia?

The severity of fetal anemia is classified by how much fetal hemoglobin is in the fetus:

• Mild anemia: Hemoglobin levels are slightly below normal.
• Moderate anemia: A more significant reduction in hemoglobin.
• Severe anemia: Critically low hemoglobin levels requiring immediate intervention.

How is fetal anemia treated after birth?

If your baby is born with anemia, treatment will depend on the severity. Possible interventions include:

• Blood transfusions: These may be necessary to restore red blood cell levels to normal levels.
• Medications: Some babies may need medications to boost red blood cell production.
• Monitoring and follow-up: Regular checkups ensure your baby’s hemoglobin levels stay on track.

For severe cases diagnosed before birth, blood transfusions may be performed while your baby is in your uterus to stabilize hemoglobin levels until delivery.

Who will be on my care team?

Our team of specialists will work together with your doctor to ensure the best care for you and your baby. Your care team may include:

• Maternal-fetal medicine specialists: Experts in high-risk pregnancies who oversee diagnosis and treatment.
• Pediatric hematologists: Specialists in blood disorders who manage anemia interventions after birth.
• Neonatologists: Doctors who care for newborns with complex medical needs.