Anyone else RH negative?

Vastra · June 2016

Just got my blood work back today and while everything looks pretty great, it turns out I have A- blood type and RH negative factor. It's actually something I was anticipating so I've read a lot about it. However my OBGYN says my husband doesn't need to be tested. I might get a second opinion on this. I have to switch doctors anyway, and I imagine they'll want to test him. Wouldn't his result determine whether I need Rhogam? This is my first pregnancy, and as I understand it, if my blood hasn't been exposed to any RH positive factor, any risk is relatively low. Anybody else have any experiences with RH issues?

carrieandr · June 2016

I'm Rh negative. My dr wanted my husband to get tested, but he hates needles, so he won't do it. Only 15% of the population is Rh negative so he is probably positive. I've been getting the Rhogam shots. $60 co-pay each time, so DH better be positive! I've had two shots so far (one because of spotting) and I'll get one more after the baby is born if she is positive.

Vastra · June 2016

Thanks! Yeah, we have the opposite issue. H is more than willing to test, and I think it's weird that Dr. doesn't think it's necessary. But you're right, it's such a small number of us RH negative weirdos that the odds are he's positive. But I'd still like to know! That price is silly.

lillebowski23 · June 2016

I too am A-. I had no idea until I got pregnant! I actually assumed I was A+ because my parents are both A+.

I did not receive any Rhogam until 28 weeks nor did the OB insist that my DH get tested. She said it would be a good idea because it is statistically likely that he is Rh+.

I have not had any spotting or other issues that would indicate any fetal blood mixing, so I either assume that A) Baby also is Rh negative or

they will need to give me another shot after labor and delivery.

Piperella · June 2016

I'm A- as well. Due to losing one of mine this pregnancy, I had to have the Rhogam shot at 10 weeks. I also have to get another at 28 weeks. Husband has + type of blood, so we knew I needed the shot. Had I not lost one, I wouldn't have had to have the shot as a FTM.. The next time though, the shots would have been standard for me.

Vastra · June 2016

@Piperella So sorry for your loss. Happy thoughts for your little fighter!
@CarrieandRoy How many days after the spotting did they do your shot? I haven't had any spotting, but I can't find a clear answer as to the time frame.
@lillebowski23 Any chance your H already knew his blood type? Mine thinks he can find out, but if he can't he'll get tested before I'm at 28 weeks.
Thanks ladies! This news sort of freaked me out but I'm feeling better between the answers here and what I've read in WTEWYE.

carrieandr · June 2016

I got the shot the same day the spotting started, but it was just a precaution. The dr actually asked me if I wanted it or not. After two losses, I was not about to take any chances.

lillebowski23 · June 2016

@Vastra he doesn't know his type and is dragging his heels getting that test and his TDAP. I am 36 weeks so I care less about his blood type as they will monitor me and give me Rhogam as needed. I'm more concerned about him getting vaccinated. He'll do it, but he'll wait until the 11th hour.

carrieandr · June 2016

My DH won't get the blood test OR the TDAP. Hates needles.

crixiegirl · June 2016

I'm O- and I my SO got a blood test to check and, of course, he's O+. I got the shot at 28 weeks and then will do it again around delivery. SO is dragging his feet on the tdap too so I told him he needs to get it soon or he won't be in the delivery room. He's getting it done next week.

Vastra · June 2016

Thanks ladies! Actually having the shot today, due to some possible spotting. Doctor wanted to be safe, which I appreciate. Unfortunately, my insurance refuses to cover it.
(adding info for reference, should anyone else be searching for this)
My doctor's receptionist told me yesterday, after getting the runaround from my insurance company, that the Rhogam shot would cost over a thousand dollars. I called the insurance company myself, got more runaround, then finally just decided to suck it up. When I called the pharmacy to confirm that my Rhogam was ready to pick up, I asked for the cost and they said $175. Now THAT I will pay. Either the receptionist needs glasses, or the range can actually go that high. This stuff better be made of diamonds.

carrieandr · June 2016

Mine was about $2000, but the copay was $60.

Knottie25816533 · August 2016

I am also RH-. Started out as a twin pregnancy but one lost a heartbeat at 7weeks. I am currently 17 weeks. My doctor didn't have me get the shot and said it was unnecessary at that point. And he hasn't ever brought the shot up again so not sure when I will need one. We are only having 1 child and either a vasectomy or tubal will be done so not sure I will have to get one or not. Totally will but my doctor hasn't really seemed concerned with it. Atleast not yet!

Vastra · August 2016

Knottie25816533 said:

I am also RH-. Started out as a twin pregnancy but one lost a heartbeat at 7weeks. I am currently 17 weeks. My doctor didn't have me get the shot and said it was unnecessary at that point. And he hasn't ever brought the shot up again so not sure when I will need one. We are only having 1 child and either a vasectomy or tubal will be done so not sure I will have to get one or not. Totally will but my doctor hasn't really seemed concerned with it. Atleast not yet!

So sorry for your loss. Glad the other twin is healthy!
Strange how some doctors are super hyper about it, and some are more relaxed. My medium-hyper doctor said that in Europe, they don't even give it after a mc, and they only give it before 28 weeks for significant uterine bleeding. It's likely you'll get it at 28 weeks as a precaution.

MySallyGirl · January 2017

I'm O- and Dh is positive. I've gotten the shots during and after every pregnancy. It's no big deal as long as they know.

LynnNJ · January 2017

I found I was RH- at my 24 week appointment and I think I got the shot at about 28 weeks and I have to get another shot once the baby is born. I think the doctor knew before this but I was told at about 24 weeks. From what I heard, if this is your only/last pregnancy, it is not as much of an issue. If the baby's blood mixes with mine, I could build antibodies which could affect/harm the next pregnancy. That's how I understand it. DH did not have to get tested, unless they treated him for that when I was going through ivf. I am not sure if the shot is necessary if you are not having any more children.

hitchedtoamick · April 2017

Hi Ladies - also RH Negative here. Currently 8 weeks and Dr. hasn't mentioned getting my shot yet but i'm sure he will soon. My previous pregnancy last year sadly ended in miscarriage that started with an SCH, and I was given "the shot" at 4.5 weeks, due to the heavy bleeding. My mom was also RH Negative and I was pretty familiar with the protein earlier on in life so I wasn't surprised to find out I was too.

Oh, and btw I'm 37 going on 38.

ginapdx · July 2017

I'm Rh- and my sperm donor is Rh+. This is my first (and probably only) pregnancy, but my physician is recommending Rhogam regardless.

What's up with all the husbands out there refusing to get their blood drawn?! It seems like it's the least they could do considering what you all are going through! Things like this make me super glad I have a wife!

knottiece129cf50f8d1591 · October 2018

I am o-negative blood type this is my sixth child I always get the rhogam shot at 28 weeks and after birth

nikkiraqs · April 2019

I'm b negative and my hubby is o positive. I'm currently 18 weeks and they said I'll get the shot at 28 weeks. I asked a lot of folks about it and they said they tolerated the shot really well

babymakes9 · May 2020

Rh- here. I've had 2 shots with every birth, one partway through and one after birth. Even on a late term miscarrage. On a first tri miscarriage, no shot. Over the years i've had 4 different drs. And 2 husbands. None of the drs. Ever asked once what my dh's blood type was, or to test it. I think it doesn't matter what the dh's blood is, because you can still have an rh+ baby unless all of your ancestors have been rh- as well.

nicsyn · September 2020

My husband and I are both O- but our RE said I would still need to get it because the baby could still be positive?! Doesn't make any sense to me but will ask my OB her opinion.