QuestionI was just wanting to know if it would be safe or even possible to have a healthy second pregnancy. I am Rh Negative(B-) and i'm not exactly sure what my husband's blood type is, but I do know that he's Rh Positive because we have a 3 1/2 yr. old daughter who's blood type is B+. I did have the RhoGam shot while I was pregnant and a second one within 24 hours of delivery, I had a vaginal delivery with her and I also tested positive for the Strep B virus, which I had to have 2 bags of antibiotics while in labor, if that makes any difference. my husband and I are wanting a second child, but not at the risk of the child having any medical problems or disabilities. I just wanted to know what's my chances of having a second healthy pregnancy or if we should even try, or would it end up ending in miscarriage? The only problem I had with my first pregnancy is high blood pressure, no preterm labor, no gestational diabetes, no previous miscarriages or stillbirths. I would appreciate any advice on this subject.
AnswerDear Tammy,
Rh incompatibility occurs only if you are Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive. It does not occur if you are Rh positive and your baby is Rh negative. In most cases you will not be exposed to the baby's blood until you give birth. This usually means that your first baby is not affected. However, large amounts of the baby's blood often leak into the mother during delivery. If you are Rh negative, the next Rh-positive baby you have could have problems if you have developed antibodies.
HOWEVER, this complication of pregnancy has not occurred often since the discovery of Rh-immune globulin (also called RhoGAM). RhoGAM can prevent sensitization. It is given to an Rh-negative woman shortly after every delivery, miscarriage, or abortion. With its widespread use, Rho(D) Immune Globulin Rh disease of the fetus and newborn has almost disappeared. It has been estimated that with its use a perinatal mortality of about 10,000 cases per year in the US alone has been largely eliminated.
The idea underlying RhoGAM is if anti-Rh antibody is given soon after delivery, it blocks the sensitization of the mother and prevents Rh disease from occurring in the woman's next Rh-positive child. RhoGAM is now given routinely to Rh-negative women after pregnancies in which they carried Rh-positive fetuses to prevent the mother's immune system from reacting to the Rh-positive blood of any subsequent fetus.
In short, the RhoGAM that you received will prevent any problems with an Rh incompatibility in the next baby.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well!
Brenda
