Meet Elijah, the precious little one of Wilma and Armand van Antwerpen, a bubbly 1-year-old who needed a series of 9 intrauterine blood transfusions. This refers to a blood transfusion through the umbilical vein to an unborn baby who is still growing in their mother’s uterus. Elijah’s transfusions started at just 16 weeks and continued every 2-3 weeks until 34 weeks’ gestation.
Wilma shares, “Our journey began when I went to donate blood and noticed the nurses marking down that I had anti-D and anti-E antibodies. It was this small but crucial detail that led to a deeper understanding of why we had lost a previous pregnancy. When we became pregnant again shortly after, this information turned out to be life-saving.”
Mothers with anti-D and anti-E antibodies in their blood are at a higher risk of complicated births due to foetal anaemia (where there is not enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to the baby’s organs). This can affect development of the foetus and in some cases cause miscarriages.
Elijah received 9 blood transfusions through the umbilical vein to ensure his survival and a life of endless possibilities. This required patience, prayer and trust that all will work out to help their son make it through.
“Even after birth, our little boy wasn’t in the clear. At just one day old, he required a full blood exchange (an exchange transfusion involves the removal and replacement of a patient’s entire blood volume), followed by two more transfusions,” says Armand in awe and gratitude.
It was this experience that showed them the value of blood donation and how powerful and life-saving it is. The heartbreak of losing their first pregnancy and being faced with the chance of losing yet another child was a mountain they had to face, but they drew strength knowing that with the understanding of this condition, medical support, the life-giving blood of the generous donors and the support of their family and friends, they would have the greatest privilege to be parents to Elijah.
Today, they are blessed with a happy, healthy boy, now 1 year and 2 months old. His life is evidence that the selfless act of blood donation truly saves lives. Without those who took the time to donate blood, Elijah might not have been the light of his family today.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank every blood donor for helping us on our journey.” – The Van Antwerpen Family.
