Baby Alex, who is now one, was given the prognosis when he was 24 weeks in his mother Katrina Dorroch's womb.
Ms Dorroch, 25, from Irvine, North Ayrshire, was diagnosed with parvovirus during her pregnancy and it led to Alex developing the rare, life-threatening condition Hydrops.
As the baby's organs began to shut down, Ms Dorroch developed Mirror Syndrome, which meant her organs were shutting down simultaneously.
Alex's life was saved by three intra-uterine transfusions and now mother and baby have fully recovered.
In each case, Alex was given about a teaspoon of O negative blood. The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) said O negative is always required in intra-uterine transfusions to ensure compatibility with the baby's blood group.
As part of Blood Donor Week 2012, Ms Dorroch and her partner Daryll Moffat appealed for people to give blood.
Ms Dorroch said: "Alex's dad, Daryll, and I know how lucky we are to have our wee miracle.
"He was delivered to us safely at 36 weeks and the life-saving transfusions that he received was only thanks to blood donors.
"We'd urge everybody to do what they can to support Blood Donor Week because one donation can save a life like Alex's."
SNBTS is aiming to stock up on supplies ahead of what they anticipate to be a busy summer, and said people should be aware of their own blood type.
The service launched its Give Before You Go campaign at the Blood Donor Centre in Glasgow today.
Dr Moira Carter, from SNBTS, said: "Once a donor comes along for the first time, we know their blood group, so we can contact them when we need to.
"This will be particularly important when supplies of a specific blood group are lower than we'd like.
"This summer will be particularly challenging for the blood service, with major events such as the Diamond Jubilee, Olympics and Euro 2012 competing for time to give blood.
"Even when blood supplies are adequate, unpredictable shortages in specific blood groups can occur.
"During the recent May bank holidays we experienced a sudden drop in O Positive blood supplies. We had to make 2000 telephone calls and write 3000 letters asking donors to come forward."
Mary Morgan, director of SNBTS, added: "There can be a 20% reduction in blood donations every summer. This year our message to everyone, whether travelling abroad or enjoying the celebrations here at home, is 'Give Before You Go'.
"There are eight different blood groups, and we want people to think – am I the 'type' to save a life?"
For more information about donating blood visit www.scotblood.co.uk
