Question13 years ago I found out I was pregnant with twins. I received a shot (trying to remember when, I think before delivery & after?)because my husband was Rh+. I delivered my twins 1 month premature by c-section.
During my 2nd pregnancy they discovered antibodies in my system which they kept a close eye by doing blood test. Everything was fine and I delivered my 2nd child, v-back, who is now 10.
With my last pregnancy (child is now 8)I developed Gestational Diabetes and they also were keeping a close eye on my antibodies. I delivered her, v-back, with no complications. But my question is.. Could those antibodies have attacked my pancreas, so I would become a diabetic. Because I had no complications during the Gestational diabetes. I watched my blood sugar levels and diet perfectly, I am and never have been overweight and no family history. Also, I did not have to go on insulin. And 6 months after delivery I developed Type 1 diabetes. Which was a surprise to my Endocrinologist that it was Type 1. Any answers?
AnswerDear Tammy,
The antibodies that you refer to are related to an Rh incompatibility. The medication you received by injection was a drug called Rhogam. Rhogam removes Rh positive fetal cells from the mother's blood stream before her body recognizes them and begins making antibodies. All mothers who are Rh negative receive a shot of Rhogam at 28 weeks. If your baby is born Rh positive, another dose is administered within 72 hours after delivery. This will prevent your body from creating any future antibodies that could cause harm during a subsequent pregnancy.
If the blood test indicates that you have developed Rh antibodies, your blood would have been monitored regularly to assess the level of antibodies it contained. If the levels are high, an amniocentesis is performed to determine the degree of anemia in the fetus. The risk of the presence of these antibodies is to the fetus. They do not attack your own body. They are actually more of an automatic protective mechanism for your body.
I would say the diagnosis of your diabetes is independent of the Rh incompatibility and the Rhogam. Women who have had gestational diabetes or have given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds are at an increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. I agree that it is unusual that you been diagnosed with Type 1.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
