P61: Other perinatal haematological disorders
P61.3: Congenital anaemia from fetal blood loss
Blood is made up of a liquid part and different blood cells, among other things. The blood cells include the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets. The red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. Red blood cells contain the red hemoglobin that gives blood its color. This pigment is important for carrying oxygen in the blood.
The placenta forms in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. The placenta consists of cells from the mother and cells from the unborn child. The umbilical cord connects the child to the placenta.
There may be too little red blood pigment if the child suffered blood loss in the womb. Blood loss can occur when there is a defect in the umbilical cord or placenta, for example. An exchange of blood between twins or between mother and child can also cause blood loss. The child's blood then flows via the placenta into the blood circulation system of the other twin or the mother.
When there is too little red pigment in the blood, the child may show a variety of indications. The child might be pale and have breathing problems. The heart may beat faster than usual. The child might have a sucking weakness and grow more slowly than is normal.
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