PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for August, 2000: Re: Miscarriage and RH factor

Re: Miscarriage and RH factor

From: Amanda

anonymous@obgyn.net

Wed, 2 Aug 2000 01:08:08 -0500 (CDT)

I think when you posted the original post, you mentioned that you did *not* have the Rhogam shot? If you didn't, then I don't think you need to wait to be tested, although you may just want to wait until you actually do get pregnant, since the antibody screen is a routine prenatal test. That is how they caught it with my pregnancy. If you did get the shot, I believe it takes about 12 weeks for it to get out of your system. If you test before then, you might test positive for antibodies, since that is what Rhogam is.

Just to ease your mind a bit about the next pregnancy that you're planning...I'm currently in my 38th week of an Rh sensitized pregnancy. This is my first sensitized pregnancy (second pregnancy overall), and fortunately, the effects of the Rh factor haven't caused problems for the baby. I was recommended to a perinatologist (high risk OB) as soon as the antibody blood tests came back positive early on, and would think that this is standard for anyone who has a sensitized pregnancy. My care so far has been twice monthly ultrasounds since 16 weeks, 4 amnios starting at 24 weeks, and now in the home stretch, twice weekly NSTs. The amount of amnios can vary according to how the results come out. Luckily, after the 4th one for me (around 32 weeks), the results were so good that my OB said I didn't have to have anymore. We've set an induction date at 39 weeks to have this baby. I did tons of research on the net about Rh disease, so I was able to ask informed questions to my doctor...I'd recommend that for anyone going through this.

As for future babies, my husband and I had already decided to wait at least 5-6 years after this pregnancy to have another one. Depending on how Rh sensitization is managed in the future we'll see if more children are an option later.

Hope this helps!

-- Amanda

At Tue, 1 Aug 2000, Fiona wrote: > >Thank you for letting me know. We are planning on getting pregnant >again after my next cycle [after having read all the recommendations >here]. If I have become sensitized to the Rh factor, can I be tested >for that now? You mention being tested in 3-4 months, does it take that >long to show up and what can be done about it? >Thanks

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