New Mum Marie thanks blood donors
This Christmas, Marie wants to thank the blood donors who helped her survive the traumatic birth of her first child - in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Marie (38) from Letham, Angus gave birth on 21st October, at the height of the pandemic. However, the birth was early, complicated and traumatic. She needed blood transfusions to save her life - and baby Emma’s.
I gave my first blood donation when I was 18 and I’ve always thought it was important, but I never actually thought that I’d need a blood transfusion myself.
'My pregnancy was normal until 26 weeks when I had a bleed, and then another at 29 weeks. The doctors weren’t sure what was wrong, so I was sent for a scan. It turned out I had Placenta Accreta, which is a serious pregnancy condition that happens when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. Because of this, I had also developed sepsis, which used to be called blood poisoning.
'The doctors decided it would be better for both Emma and I if she was delivered early. During surgery I lost two and a half litres of blood, and I was in Ninewells Hospital for around six weeks.
If you’ve never given blood before, or not given for a while, people like me still need you. Marie
'I still can’t believe this only happened five weeks ago. My recovery will be long, but Emma is perfect and healthy and here today. My actual due date is the 17 December – more than a week away. I’m still trying to get my head around it, and it’s all thanks to you, the amazing people who give blood.
'It’s people like you that save lives. Because of you I get to see my kids grow, and grow old myself with my husband Kevin.'
If you feel inspired after hearing Marie's story:
- Sign up/sign in to your online donor account to book an appointment
- Find out where your nearest donation session is
- Read our Covid-19 advice for donors