To all rhesus negative women – A Must Rea

Hunnybunny, yes they are in addition to the jab after birth. Its to help stop antibodies developing just in case you have a silent bleed.

I'd say your midwife isn't fully informed...all you need to do is look at my situation.

If you wanted to, you could ring your local DHB and see what your options are.

Up to you, but you could say that you want these injections, even if it means you have to pay for them - surely she can't refuse you then.

The issue is about being well informed and having a choice.

Sorry, I feel very passionate about this because once you've developed antibodies, there is nothing that can be done to get rid of them. We now can't have anymore children because I can't carry a baby long enough for the baby to survive.

I am O negative too.. 9 years ago I had a D & C in Australia and was given Anti D straight after operation and was told I would need this after each birth..

I guess I was lucky that it was given back then from what I've read because I had bleeding at 16 weeks gestation with DD and was given Anti D. I bled several times throughout the pregnancy but didn't require anymore injections as they last 4 months at a time. DD was born at 34 weeks without any known issues.

It wasn't until I was pregnant with DS that my midwife informed me that the Anti D injection is now given at 28 and 34 weeks but only if showing signs of antibodies.. I had regular blood tests to test this and was fine. My DS was born 10 days overdue - a healthy 8lb 9oz.. Anti D given after birth..

I'm concerned as to why I didn't receive them during this pregnancy even though wasn't showing any antibodies in blood tests.. What a relief that my son was born healthy. I definately will be talking to my midwife about this next time and demanding the injections. At a cost of $120 per injection, this is nothing compared to the cost of caring for an unwell child.

I thank you NikkiB for sharing your story - this will no doubt give a lot of mums something to think about.

Would those anti bodies show up in your first set of ante natal blood tests?

lostAmber wrote: Would those anti bodies show up in your first set of ante natal blood tests?

Yes, if you've developed antibodies.

NikkiB wrote: lostAmber wrote: Would those anti bodies show up in your first set of ante natal blood tests? Yes, if you've developed antibodies.

ok, thanks. so I can assume that even after receiving the AntiD one week after I started bleeding with my m/c that it was still effective given these haven't been identified?

Bumping back to the top!

Yeah I will be asking my MW about it when I see her again (at 30 weeks)

I'm waiting on the results of my Blood Group test to see if I have any antibodies, it seems it takes a little longer than the other anti natal bloods.

My GP said they don't routinely give anti-D any more, haven't got a MW yet, will be something to add to the list of things to discuss.

Emmi_ wrote: Prevention is the best cure if you ask me, and tis not worth the risk

Couldn't agree more

Sounds like you're going to have to do a lot of running around. I'm surprised you are allowed to handle the blood product Mind you, at least you're going to get it now

Its also great to hear that your midwife got a letter about Anti-D. We were hoping the MWs were being updated.