A YOUNG mum expecting her second child has been the first in the area to receive a rare medical treatment. Lizzie Morgan, 20, from Liskeard, needed to have an intra-uterine blood transfusion after developing problems with her pregnancy. It was the first time that Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, was able to offer this medical procedure, where blood is administered through the womb directly into the baby. Lizzie needed to have the transfusion after her body began producing antibodies, threatening the life of her unborn child, which had become anaemic. On Wednesday, at 35 weeks pregnant, Lizzie was taken to Derriford where the procedure was carried out for the first time. The problem is linked to Lizzie's first pregnancy three years ago, when she needed a blood transfusion after giving birth to her son Zach by caesarian section. The whole transfusion lasted for an hour, and involved using an ultrasound to guide a needle through the womb, injecting blood into the baby's liver. There were a number of risks associated with the procedure, and there was a two percent chance that the baby could have had a reaction to the blood, forcing an emergency caesarian. However, the transfusion went according to plan, paving the way for more mothers from Cornwall and Devon to have the treatment locally, rather than travel to Bristol. After the operation, Lizzie said: 'Everything went fine. I was a bit nervous beforehand because it was the first time Derriford had done it. But I couldn't have asked for better service, they were all brilliant.' Consultant Dr Ross Welch said he was delighted with the success of the first procedure of this type at Derriford. Lizzie is now spending time relaxing at home before she goes back to Derriford for a repeat transfusion in two weeks time. Then, at 38 weeks pregnant, Lizzie will return to hospital where she will be induced.