IUBT, or intrauterine blood transfusion, is an advanced fetal therapy used when a baby develops significant anemia before birth. It is performed only in specialized centres by trained fetal medicine teams.
Fetal anemia may occur due to blood group incompatibility, infections, fetal bleeding, or other rare causes. The aim of IUBT is to support the baby until delivery is safer.
How is fetal anemia suspected?
One important screening tool is Doppler assessment of the baby’s middle cerebral artery, often called MCA Doppler. When the baby is anemic, blood flow patterns can change. Ultrasound may also show hydrops, enlarged heart, increased fluid, or other signs depending on severity.
What happens before IUBT?
The team reviews maternal blood group, antibody levels, previous pregnancy history, ultrasound findings, Doppler results, fetal condition, and gestational age. Blood products must be specially prepared. Counselling is essential because IUBT is a high-skill procedure with potential risks.
How is the procedure performed?
Under continuous ultrasound guidance, blood is transfused to the baby, commonly through the umbilical cord vessel. The exact approach depends on placental position, fetal position, and clinical circumstances.
Will one transfusion be enough?
Some babies need more than one transfusion. Follow-up is planned using Doppler, ultrasound, antibody monitoring, and gestational age. The goal is to continue pregnancy safely while avoiding severe anemia.
Why specialist care matters
IUBT needs coordinated fetal medicine, blood bank, neonatology, obstetric, and anesthesia support. Delivery planning is also important because babies treated for fetal anemia may need neonatal monitoring after birth.
If fetal anemia is suspected, early referral to a fetal medicine centre can make a major difference. Timely Doppler monitoring and expert counselling help families understand the safest pathway.