Rhogam...anyone need it? Ghost... thoughts??

[IrishHope]

I am a little over 6 weeks and had cramping and tiny dark spotting this wknd so to be safe I called my nurse...she mentioned I was RH negative and the doctor may want me to get a Rhogam shot...and that I'll need it throughout my pregnancy/post birth...

Now I read it's full of mercury the thimersol in it and increases children getting autism and can possibly cause immune issues for the mother ...

Anyone have any thoughts or advice? I am scheduled to go at 33opm today!

Thanks!

[MzTia]

Irish- I worked in Blood banking for 15 yrs. I cannot express the importance of the Rhogam shot if you intend on having any additional pregnancies. What happens is if your baby is Rh+ the babies blood cells can cross the placenta and enter your bloodstream and make you form and antibody for the Rh factor. While this antibody is not really signifigant for you it can and will it most cases cause what is called hemolytic disease in the newborn in any subsequent pregnancies you may have. If a baby is born with this disease it will require full body exchange transfusions and has high incidences of death. I don't mean to be so morbid I just have seen these things happen and I personally feel the risk of the mercury is nothing compared to possible risks that could happen with future pregnancies. I had rhogam twice with my first pregnancy and I have a very happy healthy 7 yr old daughter. You can however try to avoid the Rhogam shots if you your husband or babies father is Rh- as well. I do encourage this. I did do that as well however my husband was Rh+ so I did require the shots. They give you one during pregnancy and they give you one after delivery if you baby is found to be Rh+.

Good Luck

[IrishHope]

MzTia - thanks so much for your reply. I am going to get it - my husband is RH + so the risk is definately there and I do feel the pros out weigh the cons...I think I'll need one every 12 weeks so I'll probably have more than 2 but I trust my RE alot!

Thanks again!

[MzTia]

I am gald you have decided to get it. I wonder why you need so many though. I know I only got one I believe in my third trimester then the 2nd after delivery.

[IrishHope]

they last 12 weeks so b/c I am only 6 weeks I'll need one at 18 and then one after baby is born so total of 3 which is not alot more - probably just one more than regular - my sister is RH - also and has had the rogham so once I talked to her I felt better...the last few days have been so rough - I was hoping to get by with no spotting - Ihad cramping and tiny dark spotting (not enough to use a panty liner) but Sat/Sun and a little today...just makes me so nervous I really have yet to enjoy this miracle!

thanks again!