From Near Loss to New Life: Baby Aarav’s Rh Factor Incompatibility Survival Story
Disclaimer: The names and certain personal details in this case study have been changed to protect patient privacy.
From Risk to Recovery: How Jammi Scans Helped Save Baby Aarav’s Life
The Beginning
Meera and Arjun had recently married despite strong family opposition. All their struggles felt worthwhile when two pink lines appeared on Meera’s pregnancy test. But their happiness didn’t last long.
Meera faced a battle, not with the outside world but within her own body. What could have caused this? Her own immune system.
A tiny, invisible protein called Rh triggered this complication, which required specialised treatment to save the baby.
The Problem
During a routine prenatal checkup, doctors discovered that Meera had a Rhesus-negative (Rh-negative) blood group, while Arjun was Rh-positive. This combination could put the baby at high risk for Rh factor incompatibility.
The Complication and the Doctor’s Verdict
Rh Factor incompatibility occurs when the mother lacks the Rh protein, but the baby has it. The mother’s immune system may attack the baby’s red blood cells, leading to severe fetal anemia.
Fetal anemia is a condition where the fetus has lower-than-normal levels of red blood cells. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including heart failure and stillbirth.
Since Meera and the baby were Rh incompatible, doctors prescribed an Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) at 9 weeks. This test is done to check whether the mother’s body has developed antibodies that could potentially harm the baby.
Unfortunately, the results came back positive, meaning Meera’s immune system had already started producing antibodies.
Her first doctor delivered the harsh verdict: “The baby’s chances of survival are low. Termination is the only way forward.”
But Arjun wasn’t ready to give up yet. He sought a second opinion from Dr. Deepthi Jammi.
The Turning Point
When Meera met Dr. Deepthi Jammi, a fetal medicine specialist at Jammi Scans, she was given personal counseling on the condition and possible treatments.
Dr. Deepthi’s first words to the couple were: “This baby can be saved with timely monitoring and the right treatment.” This gave Meera and Arjun hope.
Dr. Deepthi also explained that terminating this pregnancy would not guarantee that the next pregnancy would be safe. Once a mother becomes sensitised, Rh antibodies remain and can affect future pregnancies.
What If Meera’s ICT Had Been Negative?
If the ICT had been negative, Meera would have been given an Anti-D injection. An Anti-D injection is given to expectant mothers to prevent their bodies from developing antibodies against the baby.
The injection would typically be given around seven months and again after delivery to prevent the mother’s immune system from attacking Rh-positive cells in future pregnancies.
But since Meera’s ICT was already positive, her body had already started producing antibodies against the baby. So even if we gave the Anti-D injection, it would have been of no use.
The Waiting Game: Critical Monitoring
Dr. Deepthi planned regular MCA (middle cerebral artery) Doppler scans starting at 18 weeks to monitor for fetal anemia. This scan is performed to check the blood flow in the baby’s brain.
Fortunately, the baby showed no signs of anemia until the end of the 6th month. But by 26–27 weeks, mild anemia appeared with an MCA value of 1.2. At 28 weeks, it worsened to 1.4–1.5. Severe anemia is considered at 1.5.
There was another challenge: sourcing O-negative blood, which is rare. After much effort, it was arranged by Jammi Scans.
The First Life-Saving Blood Transfusion
An intrauterine blood transfusion (IUT) involves carefully inserting a needle into the baby’s portal vein in the liver. Before the procedure, an anesthetic injection was given to the baby’s thigh to gently reduce movement.
Once the baby was anesthetized, Dr. Deepthi skillfully inserted the needle and carefully began the transfusion. The procedure lasted about 30 to 40 minutes, during which 45 to 50 ml of blood was slowly transfused, as the baby’s heart cannot tolerate rapid flow. The baby’s anemia improved during the procedure itself. Meera was observed for two days and then discharged. The baby’s hemoglobin levels remained stable for about five weeks.
Second Round of Blood Transfusion
At 32–33 weeks, the anemia returned. By this time, the baby had grown to 1.8–1.9 kg, making the procedure more challenging.
Dr. Deepthi successfully performed the second transfusion but explained to Meera and Arjun the possible complications at this stage, including preterm labor. Just five days after the procedure, Meera noticed reduced fetal movements and immediately informed Dr. Deepthi.
The baby’s heart rate was dangerously low. Dr. Deepthi arranged for an emergency C-section to save the baby.
Baby Aarav Was Born
Baby Aarav was born at 33 weeks, weighing 1.9 kg. He had severe anemia and jaundice due to the rapid breakdown of red blood cells.
The baby required two rounds of exchange transfusions after birth. This process involves removing the baby’s blood, processing it, and transfusing it back to stabilize anemia and bilirubin levels.
Aarav fought bravely in the NICU for 45 days. His parents visited every day, pressing their hands against the glass door, waiting to finally hold him.
Reunion
Baby Aarav survived. For Dr. Deepthi Jammi, this wasn’t just another case — it was a life she was determined to save.
“There are no words to describe this feeling,” Dr. Deepthi says. “It is pure joy to witness a baby’s journey from near loss to new life.”
Final Takeaway
Things to Be Aware of Before and During Pregnancy
- Know Your Blood Type
Understanding your blood type, especially Rh status, and that of your partner, is crucial to identify potential risks early on. - Routine Prenatal Tests
Regular screenings and routine checkups are essential for closely monitoring the health of both the baby and the mother. - Seek Specialised Opinion
Don’t hesitate to go for a specialist’s opinion when faced with serious or life-altering recommendations. Fetal medicine specialists are trained to detect pregnancy complications early and manage them effectively ensuring the safety of both mother and baby. - Choose a Team of Doctors You Are Comfortable With
A healthcare team that provides clear guidance, emotional support, and open communication makes it easier to navigate pregnancy challenges. - Understand That Early Intervention Saves Lives
Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications and significantly improve outcomes for both mother and baby. - Plan for Future Pregnancies
Understanding how past complications may impact future pregnancies helps you make safer and more informed decisions. - Your Voice Matters
It is important to advocate for yourself, be in a position to ask questions about your health, and make informed choices about what’s best for you.
