Fetal Anemia & ThrombocytopeniaTreatments

• What are my choices during this pregnancy?
• What will happen after birth?

What are my treatment choices during this pregnancy?

This complicated fetal condition is best managed by experts, who perform the difficult procedures described above routinely, at a center where such cases are commonly treated. Cases of fetal anemia will require close monitoring of the pregnancy to allow transfusions to be carried out in a timely fashion. Transfusions are usually not performed after 34 weeks, as the risks of the procedure outweigh the risk of a premature birth at that age in pregnancy.  Vaginal delivery is the usual management, as long as the fetus is monitored and tolerates the labor.

If the fetal platelet count is thought to be low, then fetal blood sampling under ultrasound guidance using Fetal Image-Guided Surgery (FIGS-IT) can confirm the diagnosis. Platelets must always be available for transfusion, because if the count is low it could lead to bleeding from the puncture site on the umbilical cord. There are new and successful treatments for this dangerous condition. 

What will happen after birth?

The fetal platelet count must be close to normal to allow a vaginal delivery safely. It is important that babies that have had these problems in their pregnancy are delivered at a hospital that can provide expert neonatal care, as they may have short term complications from their anemia or low platelet counts and may require transfusions or other specialized treatments