January 6,03
When you’re expecting, don’t be alarmed when your physician explains you are Rh-Factor. If you are Rh-positive (85% are) or if you and your spouse are both negative, then there is no cause to worry. However if you are Rh-negative and your spouse is positive, you are capable of being at High Risk and should consult your physician at once, and be kept alert.
When your ancestors had children they would have probably lost their child. But with today’s technology we have the immediate attention and medical care. This can be prevented by the use of RhoGam, which is Rh-immune globulin, a blood product. An injection at 28 weeks of pregnancy to prevent sensitization before delivery, a second injection is given within 72 hours after delivery if your baby is Rh-positive.
If you are isoimmunized, certain antibodies are circulation inside your system, they won’t harm you, but they can attack the blood of an Rh-positive baby. Your baby could have the possibility of being anemic even while it’s still in the uterus. This is caused when your antibodies cross the placenta and attack the fetal red blood cells.
Now that I am aware that I am Rh-negative, I am at ease about my baby being safe. I was concerned about my baby’s health as well as my own. I found out early in my pregnancy therefore I took care of the problem by getting the RhoGam injection. My baby may still be in my uterus but he is healthy and therefore I am overly happy and not scared anymore!