KNH: Medical Breakthrough As Medic Transfuse Blood To Anaemic Baby While Still In Mother's Womb

• For two consecutive pregnancies, Melodius Moraa lost both babies after they were diagnosed with anaemia while still in the womb
• When Moraa became pregnant for the third time, her heart sank to learn that the foetus had the same problem as the first two
• However, doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital managed to give her a smile after transfusing blood to the unborn child

In another groundbreaking medical achievement, doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) recently saved the life of a baby diagnosed with anaemia while still in the womb.

An officer from the country's largest referral hospital told TUKO.co.ke that the highly technical procedure is called Intrauterine Foetal Transfusion.

Mother had lost 2 babies before

It all started when Melodius Moraa, a 30-week pregnant woman, was referred to KNH from Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital when her unborn baby was diagnosed with anaemia

Dr Rosa Chemwey, a Maternal Foetal Medicine specialist, explained that the decision was made because Moraa had previously lost two babies to anaemia.

"This was critical given her history, and we immediately admitted her for the Intrauterine Foetal Transfusion procedure," she started.

A month later, the medics decided to deliver the baby at 35 weeks through the Caesarian section, and the baby was received and cared for in the Newborn Unit.

What is Intrauterine Foetal Transfusion?

The Intrauterine Foetal Transfusion, a highly delicate procedure, involves injecting red blood cells from a donor into the foetus.

This is typically recommended when a foetus has anaemia, characterised by a low red blood cell count.

"A needle is carefully inserted into the mother's abdomen, reaching the umbilical vein or the foetus' abdomen to deliver compatible red blood cells," the medic exlained.

After the procedure, the mother received antibiotics, local anaesthesia, and IV sedation, with additional medication provided to sedate the foetus.

Maternal and foetal medicine milestone

Given the high-risk nature of Moraa's pregnancy, urgent intervention was crucial to ensuring the baby's survival.

Moraa walked out of the hospital, cradling her newborn baby boy, whom she aptly named Blessing, a rainbow baby, to wipe her tears of losing previous pregnancies.

As the new mother looks forward to her journey of motherhood, she appreciates the medics for the safe and successful delivery of her baby, who is expected to develop normally.

The successful Intrauterine Foetal Transfusion marks a significant advancement in maternal and foetal medicine at KNH.

New lease of life for young woman

In a different milestone at the same hospital, doctors gave 18-year-old Mary Wanjiku a new lease of life following a successful heart surgery.

Mary suffered from Patent Ductus Arteriosus, a condition that causes recurrent pneumonia and breathing complications.

To seal the hole in her heart, specialists performed a minimally invasive surgery that accessed her heart through the leg.