Rh Negative and Second Pregnancy

Updated on April 05, 2011
T.H. asks from Columbia, PA
6 answers

Hi Mommies,
I am Rh negative and my husband is Rh positive. We had our first child 3 years ago and he is positive like his daddy. I should say that I had really bad and long labor, delivery with complications which turn out to be emergency c-section and then surgery right after c-section. I lost a lot of blood and almost die but doctors saved me. I was 1 week at the hospital and got blood transfusion. Now we would like to have a second child but I know that next and addition pregnancy might be more risky than first one. I also read online that with c-section and blood transfusion I possible was sensitized and if I get pregnant again and my baby would be positive again there is some risk for baby to be anemic, brain damage and so on. I guess I just want to know if someone else had the same situation and what doctors told you about second pregnancy and risks for the baby. I called my doctor's office and they told me there are no tests to get done before I get pregnant. So I actually have to be pregnant to run some tests and see blood counts and so on. But we want to know all the risk in my particullar situation before we start trying for another one. So if any of you mommies had c-section or blood tranfusion with your first delivery and you are rh negative and your husband is positive I would like to hear your feedback . Thank you very much for taking a time to read my question!

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So What Happened?

Thank you all for your answers!!! I did had Rhogam shot during my first pregnancy and then right after my c-section. I schedule apptm with my doctor yesterday. Thank you all again!

More Answers

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A.C.

answers from Cincinnati on

I had to get a rhogam shot several times. I am RH negative and my husband is positive. You will just have to get a rhogam shot at 28 weeks. If after delivery, your baby is negative, you will have to get another shot. If they baby is a positive blood type, you won't have to get another one after delivery. If you have any spotting or bleeding, you will have to get a Rhogam shot. The shot prevents you from forming antibioties that would attack the baby. As long as you get the shot at 28 weeks, you should be fine. Good Luck:)

2 moms found this helpful
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M.F.

answers from Phoenix on

These questions are ones that only your doctor can answer for you and your specific medical situation. I would make an appointment to go in and talk about the potential risks and complications associated with your history. While there may not be any prior testing that can be done, your doctor will still be able to tell you better information than strangers on the internet. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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K.K.

answers from Austin on

I am a midwife. There really is no more risk with the second pregnancy vs the first pregnancy. The risk is if the baby has positive blood and that blood gets mixed with your blood during a traumatic birth. You would then have positive antibodies in your blood. If the next baby you conceive gets the negative blood factor your body could then attack it and cause a miscarriage. You probably had the Rhogam shot following delivery that prevents you getting positive antibodies. There really is no reason for you to get Rhogam at 26 weeks and there is some controversy around this since it can have side effects for the baby. Also, if your baby is born and has your blood type there is no need for you to have Rhogam. Also, your blood transfusion was negative blood not positive blood.

1 mom found this helpful
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T.H.

answers from Kansas City on

I'm confused...did they not know that he was Rh positive while you were pregnant? DId you not get the shot?? If you didn't I would immediately change OBs and then start over. Disregarding your other issues for a minute, it should be no big deal if you and your baby are opposite Rh if you are getting the test and the shot you can have a normal pregnancy and delivery. With those other complications, there probably are additional risks but I can't imagine there would be any that would make it dangerous to get pregnant. Like I said if your doctor isn't sharing information with you effectively then find a new one, but don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. Good luck!

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S.P.

answers from Philadelphia on

I am also Rh negative with both my husband and my son being Rh positive. Although I did have a long labor, I delivered vaginally so I guess my situation is a bit different. I did get Rhogam several times during my pregnancy with my son and am pregnant again and was told that I'll get it the same way this time around also. My doctor is not at all concerned and neither am I. Are you concerned because of the c-section? What does your doctor have to say about this?

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L.M.

answers from Cleveland on

i am RH negative and i have 3 children. at 26 weeks you get a rhogam shot, if the child is positive (which one of my children were) they give you another shot of rhogam. if your child is negative you will not need a second dose.

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