RH negative - Page 2

[gratefulmom]

Well I am just getting onto this thread here. I am due in Feb with cub #2. am RH- and DH is RH+. I had Rhogam with my last pregnancy and am now a more informed Mama.
My midwife wants me to have it again but I would like to avoid it until after delivery. Hillary I love your response and have printed it out. Was wondering if you have any research I could site or where your info came from. I think it will be better to bring her the actual research.
TIA-Lori, Gratefulmama to Cassidy 6-1-02

[tabitha]

hi im tabitha! i need some help here.

I am Rh- and Dh is Rh +, our first ds was also +. I didnt know much and got Rhogam at 28 weeks and after birth. It was a fairly gentle birth.

This time (i am 14 wks pg) i want to feel better about what i do.

My homebirth mw recommends the shot, but only after birth, and the mercury free stuff. I would rather not have it but we *do* want more children.

1) if i got the shots last time does that mean i am permanently sensitived by them??? does that mean i could already have hurt this baby?

2) If any of you have opted *not* to get the shot,why? how do you avoid the scare tactics and worry out there?

3) i know it is wrong but part of this is a $$ thing- it will cost me over $200 to get the shot and i dont want to anyway so ?

4) how common is sensitization in homebirthing nations? any research?how about people who live without medical care?

anyway,thanks

tabitha

[N2theWoods]

Hi Tabitha!

I just went through all this myself. I also am rh- and my DH is rh+. I just had our little Rosaline Emerald on Monday (which was a beautifully spectacular homebirth, maybe we can get together for a walk and I'll tell you about it. Really A++++) and she is A+. I went ahead and got the Rhogam shot 2 days after the birth. I did NOT get the 28 week shot, I refused it and my midwife concurred after she looked into it some more. But, we also don't know for sure if we're going to have more babies and even though the birth was EXTREMELY peaceful and there was probably only a very miniscule chance of blood mixing, at my age I didn't want to take the risk of becoming sensitized and having problems keeping a pregnancy later on. I REALLY disliked the idea of a human blood product, but I decided that as long as it wasn't being given to me while there was a baby being "cooked" that I could deal. And FYI, RhoGam hasn't had thimerosal in it since I believe April of last year -- the company bowed to the controversy over it and took it out. So, you shouldn't have to request it special w/o mercury, that's the only way they make it now. (Unless your doc has a REALLY old batch, and it actually spoils quickly so that would scare me on multiple fronts!!
)

*hug*

Margo

[gratefulmom]

Thanks for responding Hilary! I dont think my midwife would give me a hard time, she is wonderful. I just like to have references when advocating for myself. My blood did mix with DS's at birth but I had the shot during and after. So I know that this new babe is not the worry. I only want to get the shot this time around after the birth and only if the baby is positive. Thanks for all great info!