RhoGAM injections

Mamax2 · September 2016

I'm sorry if this has been discussed previously. I did a search on mobile, but couldn't find anything.

Anyways, can we discuss this? While in L&D last night, the nurse asked me my blood type. When I told her, she immediately asked if I had received the injection yet. I told her that my OB hasn't even made mention of it. I'm O-, and DH is B+. I don't recall getting this with DD. Is this something that I should've already gotten or need to ask my OB for? The nurse was shocked to find out that I hadn't received the shot yet, but didn't say anything else about it.

swhiddon33 · September 2016

I am NOT a negative BUT my understanding is that certain blood types do not mix well with O- and that the concern about the mix, for some reason, is not an issue so much with first borns as it may be with second and so on babies. I learned this from a friend who went through the process. Definitely check with your doc. It's a thing, I am just not positive of the details.

yellingbanana · September 2016

What?! Yah, you should have had it. If you don't the your body can 'reject' baby. Not in a good way. I'm O- and DH is AB+, about as opposite as you can get. It's the negative and positive factor that matters. If you are both positive, or both negative, or if he is negative and you are positive, then you don't need the shot. It's only if you are RH negative and the dad is RH positive that you need the shot. Thanks biology!
I've had it around 30 weeks and after birth with both my kids, and get one again next week. Yay...
Its not as bad as it seems, every time I get a prodded with a needle I think 'this won't hurt as bad as having a baby come out of me'.

fauxpa-2 · September 2016

My sister is - and she always got the shot during 28 weeks and then again after delivery if the baby was in fact +. Although I'm not sure what the "technical schedule" is. Does your first child have a + or - blood type?

I would definitely recommend that you talk to your OB about it.

Edited to add: https://www.pregnancy.org/article/rh-incompatibility-and-why-you-need-rhogam

ve304856 · September 2016

I have A- blood. I had a miscarriage at 8 weeks with my first pregnancy. I had to get the Rhogam shot after I lost the baby. With DS and DD I had to get it at 28 weeks and after they were born (they both have + blood) from what I understand that if they had neg blood I wouldn't have to get ot after birth. You get it after birth to protect any future pregancies bc your body can make antibodies that can attack the next baby.

When you get it and they ask you if you rather have it in the arm or the butt, take the butt. It hurts so much in the arm, but it is nothing in the butt

jenlynne0624 · September 2016

I'm going to get mine tomorrow. You're supposed to get it at 28 weeks.

Mamax2 · September 2016

Thanks ladies! I'll be calling and asking my OB this afternoon. I don't see him again until a few days shy of 30 weeks, so I need to see what his plan is.

ashleaf2018 · September 2016

I'm A- and FI is A+, I had it with my miscarriage and got it today for this pregnancy. It won't hurt this baby to not have it but the next baby could end up severely anemic. It's one of those things that's just better to go ahead and have done. I probably would have gotten it even if FI had been negative, just because I think that's my OB's policy.

phoebecar · September 2016

With my very first pregnancy that ended in a miscarriage, I got it immediately afterward. With my DD I got it at 28 weeks and again after birth and that followed for my DS too. I had another miscarriage last year and got it when I started bleeding and again early this pregnancy (I think). I'm also scheduled to get it when I go in on Monday.

I agree with @ve304856- take the shot in the rear end. It stings a bit going in, but once it's done I didn't experience any soreness.

DiFazette · September 2016

Yes, 28-30 weeks is the guideline. I'm A-, H is O+. I got it after DS was born as well even though he's got the same blood type as me.

Any chance of bleeding when you have a negative blood blood type you are supposed to be given the shot with antibodies. The one we get now is to build immunity for potential blood mixing during labor/c section.

JLWalker2 · September 2016

I had bleeding in my first trimester so I received the shot at about 10 weeks just in case. I just received it again at 28 weeks and I'll be getting it after birth. I am O-.

Mamax2 · September 2016

Thanks again ladies. I called my OB, and my nurse said my doc wasn't in, so he'll call me back tomorrow.

Austenista · September 2016

The first time I was pregnant I miscarried so early that I never saw a doctor minus going to get antibiotics from a GP for a UTI. If I hadn't taken a pregnancy test just for kicks and giggles, I would have thought it was my period. I never got the rhoGAM shot because a. I didn't know I had a negative blood type until years later and b. I never went to the OB because as I mentioned I was at most 5 weeks if I was day and it was safe to miscarry naturally at home. When I found out years later that I should have needed that shot, I cried and cried because I figured I'd probably never get pregnant or I'd lose the baby because I never got that shot.

I mentioned to my OB that I was pregnant just once before that I knew of, and he never asked about me getting the shot. Now, instead of dreading it, I can't wait to get that darn shot to ease my nerves about the whole negative thing. I've wondered again and again if I or they would know if Eaton is being impacted by my never getting that shot with the first pregnancy. I'm guessing everything's probably okay, but out of that tiny niggling concern I'm looking forward to having that shot, sting or no sting.

DiFazette · September 2016

@Austenista they can test your blood currently to see if you've been sensitized. They've not tested that either? I'd ask that very direct question - have I been tested for Rh compatibility/sensitization? It may calm you if you know it's been tested and clear - meaning there's no reaction this pregnancy.

crystalmir91385 · September 2016

I'm AB-. With both pregnancies I've gotten the shot at around 28 weeks. I think that's the typical time unless you've had any bleeding or spotting, which I did early on, so I also had one around 6 weeks this time.

Mamax2 · September 2016

So my OB called me back. He said that they never mentioned it because they have my blood type listed as O+! He said he guesses that when the nurse put in all my info in the computer, she must've mis-typed. I was floored. So, now I'll be going in on Monday to get it.

Also, after talking with DH about it last night, I did get it with DD, I just don't remember it.

emisi · September 2016

@Austenista I don't think it's a huge concern that you didn't get it when you miscarried your first pregnancy. It's really more worrisome if the embryo has implanted and has reached a stage of development where it depends on your body, not the yolk sac. I had 9 miscarriages, 6 before my son, 3 this time, and they were all so early that I didn't have the shot. You'll be okay.

Also, @Mamax2 I'd be kind of angry over that! They could have really compromise your health and the health of your baby. Good thing you're on the ball.

Toller · September 2016

@Mamax2 it's *possible* that it wasn't a typo- i am what's called O "weak positive", so my results have actuality come back negative and positive depending on the test... that being said, the lab people are only human and totally make typos/mistakes just like everyone else. Way to be on top of things to be sure you have exactly the right information!

DiFazette · September 2016

@emisi I'm sorry for your losses. So happy you're getting your rainbow! I've also heard that it's Not 100% necessary with early losses.

@Mamax2 @Toller makes an interesting point. I'm scientific, so I'd want to know what the deal is. I'm also someone who was thisclose to needing a transfusion during my cesarian becuse my BP was so high. I'd make sure they figure out (and you are comfortable with) the answer on your blood type. My OB has done a 'type and screen' on me twice this pregnancy. They should have record of that.

princesslockness · September 2016

@DiFazette I have an odd one for you. I was marked as A+ when donating blood, and my first pregnancy. Never had any issues with the tests saying anything else. Now this pregnancy they have ran it 4 desperate times and I'm B+. Any ideas?

DiFazette · September 2016

@Kate08Young I've heard of -/+ changes of the same type based on pregnancy, but never a complete switch of type. Quick research indicates it CAN happen with multiple transfusions or organ transplants. This sounds like an interesting question for @R0824H! My guess would be testing error, but I'm interested in the real answer.

princesslockness · September 2016

DiFazette said:

@Kate08Young I've heard of -/+ changes of the same type based on pregnancy, but never a complete switch of type. Quick research indicates it CAN happen with multiple transfusions or organ transplants. This sounds like an interesting question for @R0824H! My guess would be testing error, but I'm interested in the real answer.

Me too! As I have never had a transfusion or organ transplant. I am wondering if maybe somehow they are getting E's blood this time. Otherwise I am stumped.

DiFazette · September 2016

Kate08Young said:

DiFazette said:

@Kate08Young I've heard of -/+ changes of the same type based on pregnancy, but never a complete switch of type. Quick research indicates it CAN happen with multiple transfusions or organ transplants. This sounds like an interesting question for @R0824H! My guess would be testing error, but I'm interested in the real answer.

Me too! As I have never had a transfusion or organ transplant. I am wondering if maybe somehow they are getting E's blood this time. Otherwise I am stumped.

Huh. Fetal blood and maternal blood don't 'mix' though.

Toller · September 2016

DiFazette said:

@emisi I'm sorry for your losses. So happy you're getting your rainbow! I've also heard that it's not 100% necessary with early losses

I had bleeding until 8 weeks and no one mentioned rhogam. Later, I asked about it and was also told that it wasn't necessary that early.

Mamax2 · September 2016

Thanks again everyone. I'm going to see if they can check my blood first Monday, before just giving me the injection. Now, I'm questioning what my blood type really is.

To all the ladies here who've suffered loss early on. I'm sorry. I've been there before. I'm so happy that you all are getting your rainbows now.

ve304856 · September 2016

@Mamax2 at the hospital I go to, they will take my blood. Then I have to go back within 7 days to get the shot. I guess they test something in the bloop before they will give it.

phoebecar · September 2016

I had mine yesterday at the doctor and I remember it being a difficult shot to take but I had totally forgotten about the sting when it goes in.

I've had 2 miscarriages- one super early around the 6-7 week mark and they still gave me the RhoGam shot and then one last year at the 11 week mark and I also got it then too. And if I remember correctly, they give it to you after the baby is born right?

yellingbanana · September 2016

@phoebecar yes, we get one after delivery as well.
Just had mine today, I am O-, DH is AB+. We are so opposite in every way. Food, sleeping habits, preferences for about everything! I should've known we would be opposite blood types as well...

phoebecar · September 2016

@yellingbanana I thought we got another one after birth but it's been so long since DS was born, that I just couldn't remember!

But I'm like you- my DH and I are polar opposites so it doesn't shock me that we are completely opposite blood types either! Then again my DH is like a giant, fun-loving child while I'm more serious minded. All in all- it really works though. He encourages me to let go sometimes, which is always needed!!!

R0824H · September 2016

Kate08Young said:

DiFazette said:

@Kate08Young I've heard of -/+ changes of the same type based on pregnancy, but never a complete switch of type. Quick research indicates it CAN happen with multiple transfusions or organ transplants. This sounds like an interesting question for @R0824H! My guess would be testing error, but I'm interested in the real answer.

Me too! As I have never had a transfusion or organ transplant. I am wondering if maybe somehow they are getting E's blood this time. Otherwise I am stumped.

@Kate08Young
There is absolutely no way you can change from an A+ to a B+ without one of the above mentioned, there has to be a human or clerical error. If they've tested you 4 times and you've come up as B+ 4 times, I would suggest the person testing at the blood donation center screwed up. Did the person drawing your blood label your tubes directly after they finished venipuncture? Mislabelled tubes can occur if not labelled at the bedside/chair. DiFazette is also correct with maternal/fetal blood don't mix, not enough to change your results.

I should also say, if you were an A+ and given multiple B+ transfusions...you'd likely be dead/ suffered a major transfusion reaction as an A+ would have B antibodies (naturally occurring) and those antibodies would basically attack any and all B red cells you'd be given.

ajstevenson · September 2016

I am O- and SO is B+. I had bleeding on and off the first 9 weeks so I had my 1st rhogam injection then. I'll have another at 28 weeks and one again after she's born. Essentially any time there's potential for your blood mixing with baby's you're "supposed" to get a rhogam shot. Mine was done on my hip/butt/side area and didn't hurt at all, but I've heard some people feel it a lot more.

princesslockness · September 2016

@R0824H I honestly don't remember what the people from Red Cross did. That was over 10 years ago. I just found it odd that it was different after 10 years than what I had always thought.

Mamax2 · September 2016

Ok, so apparently my blood type changed from O- to O+ this go round. No injection for me this time.

yellingbanana · September 2016

@R0824H thanks for saying what my brain was thinking! I was thinking back to college biology classes, and my brain was like 'that's not right'. Gotta love science!!!

NenaMommy · October 2016

Yes, you have to get it anytime you bleed or might bleed. They give it standard at Week 28k in case you go into labor. And, if the baby is Rh -, after giving birth. I've had one done twice (after week 13 or so because of some bleeding), and now at 28 weeks. Ask your OB nicely why this hasn't been given to you. Then, listen very closely to the answer, because if I were you, I'd be looking for a new OB.

princesslockness · October 2016

NenaMommy said:

Yes, you have to get it anytime you bleed or might bleed. They give it standard at Week 28k in case you go into labor. And, if the baby is Rh -, after giving birth. I've had one done twice (after week 13 or so because of some bleeding), and now at 28 weeks. Ask your OB nicely why this hasn't been given to you. Then, listen very closely to the answer, because if I were you, I'd be looking for a new OB.

She came back an explained that they had he blood type wrong. It has since been discussed and taken care of.

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