Emergency anti-D and travel?

[Verbena87]

Hi all,

am brand new here so am probably inadvertently breaking all kinds of social codes, but I did have a look through and couldn't find any other posts about this, so...

I'm 16 weeks pregnant with our first baby after a long drawn-out process (did IVF with PGD to avoid passing on my husband's genetic wonkiness to future offspring), am type O negative and am currently waiting for a scan following a horrible episode of bleeding and pains over the weekend. Have heard the heartbeat twice during/since the worst of the bleed so am reasonably hopeful.

My worry is that we're away for 2 weeks in the Spring in the Isles of Scilly (fairly remote), then planning to also have a couple of days in Venice when I'm hoping to be around 28 weeks. This bleed was preceded by absolutely sweet sod all that might have provoked it (no shagging, falling over, strenuous exercise, lifting or anything else I can think might have caused it), and I know I need anti-D within 72 hours of any similar episodes.

Does anybody know what happens if I need the jab while I'm a long way from home (and have embarrassingly limited Italian?!)

And thanks for reading.

[sweetchilli77]

i bled at 11, 13 and 15 weeks. I needed Anti D for the last two bleeds. I had to have mine at my local EPU. Don't forget its a blood component and is ordered accordingly. Had my (what was supposed to be my 28 week) anti D and went to my local hospital. I had this at 30 week because they didn't send me an appointment, so my midwife rand them and blasted them.

Some hospitals don't have an EPU or similar so probably going through A&E would be your only option. Im not sure what other hospitals would offer.
If your still bleeding or have been near to your time away id probably stay at home.

[minipie]

I don't know the answer sorry. I am also rhesus negative and had anti D around 17 weeks due to a bleed. I went away in later pg without thinking about the need for anti D so well done for thinking about it!

The only thing I can say is that although I had a few bleeds in early pregnancy (up to about 17 weeks) they had all stopped by late pregnancy. Hence why I wasn't worried about travelling, I guess. I think if you don't have any bleeds from now until when you travel you can feel fairly safe?

[Verbena87]

Thanks both; I'll have a bit of an investigate about nearest hospitals to where we'll be staying, and speak to my midwife when we go for our 16 week appointment this week.

I'm loath to trust the idea of not having bled right before, as I had a little bleed around 6 weeks, then nothing and all seemed fine, then this one out of the blue.

Glad to hear that it did stop for both of you as your pregnancies went on - but of a scary time waiting for the scan to check up on things.

[Mustbeinsane1984]

If you are from the U.K. Take your E111 health card. This entitles you to emergency care at the pronto soccorso. A&E. If you have any problems your hotel could call them or point you in the right direction. I would also take an extra health insurance that would cover your baby, if anything were to happen whilst away. Either that or if you need the injection you can probably be put in touch with a private gynecologist which is about €100 for consultation with scan and then you pay for what ever medication. Enjoy Venice it is beautiful. Try get out early in the morning 6/7/8 before the hoards of other tourist descend upon its beauty :)

[Verbena87]

Thanks mustbeinsane, that's really helpful. Is the E111 the same as an EHIC card? I had some doubts about that since the Brexit vote but guess it still holds good until we're officially out of the union?

We're in an airbnb apartment but the owners are English speaking and live over on the mainland, so I expect they could help if I get stuck.

I'm really excited about Venice: suddenly realised if the pregnancy's successful it'll be years before I can bumble about with a sketchbook and my head in the clouds, so we'd better go now!

[Mustbeinsane1984]

Yes it is the same. I think everything stays the same until Britain actually leaves. Perfect if you have British hosts. I do think there is a hospital in Venice. If not there will be a larger one in Mestre which is just on the mainland. Yes, enjoy there is so much charm, be prepared for a lot of people. Check out Murano and Burano, both very pretty and picturesque :) PS Italians love babies and pregnant woman so be prepared to be treated like a princess and to answer a million questions. (Also some belly rubbing)