So, I start off my very first blog with some interesting news....
I am Rh negative.
What is that you say? Rh negative means that I do not have a specific type of protein on the surface of my red blood cells.
What is the significance? Being Rh negative does not harm me in any sort of way. But, because I am pregnant, it is a big deal. Most people are Rh positive, and my husband is Rh positive. Therefore, our baby most likely is as well. If my blood mixes with my baby's blood, my body will begin developing andibodies against my baby's blood, looking at it as a foreign invador. Once this occurs, a woman is said to be sensitized, and all future pregnancies are at risk. Unless, the Rhogan injection is given to the pregnant mother around the 28th week of pregnancy and within 72 hours of giving birth. This injection prevents the mother from being sensitized or making the antibodies. If the injection is not administered, the woman would continue making these antibodies and her next pregnancy could be a problem. Some babies that are born to sensitized mothers just have jaundice or anemia. But, in other cases, the babies are born with heart failure or mental retardation. Hence, this injection is imperative for pregnant Rh negative woman to receive if they want future, healthy pregnancies.
Why is this a concern for me? I have had a miscarriage before. The doctor I had at the time never told me that I was Rh negative, and also never gave me the Rhogan injection. Everything I have read about being Rh negative says that even after miscarriage, an Rh negative woman should always be given the Rhogan injection. Meaning I could have developed the antibodies that could harm the baby I am carrying now. This is very much a concern for me.
What am I doing about it? I've called my current doctor to ask her if she tested my blood for the antibodies. If she did, and everything turned out okay, then we're in the clear. If she didn't test for it, then I will have to wait until they test my blood again to find out. I'm praying that I haven't built up any antibodies, so I know that this pregnancy is safe. I will go on to receive the injection at 28 weeks and after I give birth, therefore protecting my future pregnancies.
I feel angry that my last doctor did not do what she was supposed to. If she had given me the injection, I would not be worrying like I am now. She completely dropped the ball. But, I have faith, and my gut is telling me that everything will be fine. I will update once I have heard back from my doctor...
2 comments:
Wow, I saw that section, the RH Negative section in my book...but didnt understand it very well. You did a very good job of describing it. I hope and pray that you will have nothing to worry about and that your body will know that this baby is something to protect and not sensitize.
LOVE that you now have your blog up...yea!!! I will add you to my blog list so I can check in on ya.
Yup, cried last night watching USA win the gold and silver. We are such sappy moms. :)
Hi there, im not sure how often you read your replys/comments on here..but I can relate 100%. My doctor has been my primary care phys. since he delivered me, & never told me that I was Rh Negative until after I had a miscarraige! They knew I was pregnant too. I couldn't believe they didn't know until after the fact. I was so upset. Now 3 months later Im prego again, but hopefully this time it goes a lot smoother. I received the vaccine after the miscarriage and im hoping that it does the trick and holds me over until the due date since my insurance runs out in like 3 months :( If not ill just have to charge everything on the creditcard I guess. I never knew trying to start a family could be so difficult. I can't wait to get referred to new doctors next week LoL.
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