Mum's thanks after unborn daughter's life saved by a scan

A mum has returned to hospital to thank the team who saved her baby's life - after tests revealed she was 'near death's door'.

- by Harriet Sutton

Jessica Pattinson was at her 20-week scan at Leeds General Infirmary when she learned that her unborn baby was dangerously unwell.

She was anaemic, her heart was under strain, and she was suffering from fetal hydrops - a condition which causes fluid to build up around the body.

Consultants thought Jessica might have contracted slapped cheek syndrome - otherwise known as parvovirus B19which is a mild infection for adults but carries a risk of very serious complications for unborn babies.

An amniocentesis confirmed the diagnosis and Jessica's baby was rushed to King's College in London to receive a blood transfusion through her heart - while she was still in the womb.

Jessica, from Birstall, said: "Time wasn't on our side. They said they had never seen a baby so unwell with [parvovirus] before. She was near death's door.