Am I jumping the gun a bit here?

[Flossam]

Ok, Flossams obsession of the week. Her Antibodies! I checked up on my bloods from when I gave birth to DS and have found I have antibodies in my blood, yes there is another thread. I'm going to go and see my GP this week as I'm still not 100% clear in my mind if the anti D injection I was given post birth acts to clear this up or not. And it's doing my nut in really! But I'm quite upset that I was not given the injection recommended by my hospital at 28 weeks, and was only given the one at 34 weeks when I mentioned to the midwife I had not had the first. Also I presented at around 30 weeks (IIRC) with pain - no anti D was given then and I'm beginning to think that it should. So two errors really. I work for the trust in question (st thomas') so I'm not out to do them down but wonder if I should write in to make sure policies are put in place to make sure this dosen't happen? I know the routine admin of anti D is questionable but this pain may have been a 'silent bleed' and should have been given. Or have I got it all wrong?

I know I am not pregnant or even thinking of becoming pregnant yet, but I would dearly love another some time in the future and feel I have to consider this if it is a problem for the impact it will have on DS. Also DP is quite undecided about another and I'm terrified he will not want another if I can expect to be likely to have lots of complications. I'm really very worried.

I've no idea of any answers for you, but bump and hugs xxxxxx

sorry I cant help, but try not to worry now. You have a baby and you arnt expecting yet so try relax a bit.Maybe get some more info before you concieve again?

I don't know if it helps, but the routine administration of Anti-D during pg is very recent (introduced during 2002 in my area). Up until then it was one injection post-birth and another in the event of any bleeding from uterus. Preusmably your baby was +ve?

My laymen's understanding is that yes, the Anti-D post birth should clear the antibodies, but it is worth taking to your GP to understand more. But IMO not worth hassling over routine admin of Anti-D. It is too recent for it to be taken that seriously, and for example my health authority would tell you about it but you had to pay privately if you wanted it (no funding!). It may have changed - last baby was born in 2003.

can i just ask if everyone is given anti D ?

i was given it when dd was born in 2001. i just asked my gp about what would happen during a next pregnancy as we are ttc. he said they would keep checking the anti-bodies during the pregnancy. he didn't seem worried about it, but i'm sure it'll be on my mind a lot.
hth at all

is it only given if there is a problem?

Flossam - what do you mean you checked up and found you had antibodies after you had DS? Is it definately anti-D antibody?

Did you have an antibody check at 34 weeks before the anti-D?

The problem is that the injected anti-D remains in your system and may be the anti-D reported in your results post delivery.

We have not started giving routine prophylaxis as yet but will be soon. There was a delay implementing it because of new variant CJD.

Did you need anti-D post delivery?

Just reread your post and see you had it post delivery too.

I think that most likely the antibody reported is that present following administration at 34 weeks. It is a problem for the lab to distinguish between the 2.

Mandy,

It is usually given if the mum is Rh-ve (unless you have fairy solid proof that the dad is also rh-ve).

Mears and everyone thank you. No I don't know whether the blood results are anti D antibodies or not. The results just said that antibodies were present and that extra time would have to allowed to source the blood in event of me requiring a blood transfusion. So it might mean not to worry about it then? Would it be worth going to the GP to find out about it - would they do bloods again? I have read up on your history (hope you don't mind, been searching about the whole anti-D thing) about your DC. Following my admission for the abdo pain I don't think I had any bloods done before delivery. I saw midwife at 30/32 weeks, and lack of anti d was picked up ( ie I said I hadn't had it). Had just the one dose at 34 weeks. Saw the midwife at 36 weeks but no bloods taken then - never made it to 38 week app as DS came early . So basically I don't know when I may or may not have developed the anitbodies IYSWIM. Do you think I shouldn't worry Mears, untill if/when I get pregnant or should I try and suss out now whether this may be a potential problem before I would TTC?

Flossam, I would go and visit the GP to put your mind at reast. The antibodies that were mentioned may not be anti-D at all, but other ones that are harmless in pregnancy. Sometimes when the testing is redone with a larger sample, there are no antibodies detected at all. Since you delivered early I am pretty sure that it is the anti-D you were injected with that has been picked up. If so, it will be all gone now.

I will do Mears, it will put my mind at rest (I hope). Thank you again for your wise words and help.

Let us know what happens.

Flossam, did you see your GP?

?

Whoops, sorry Mears. I checked the bloods again the next time I was at work, and saw a note saying it was most probably linked to the dose I had at 34 weeks like you said. So I have decided whatever will be will be and just hope all is well if I ever do have another. Do you think that is reasonable? Thanks for checking up on me.

Yes that sounds reasonable to me - thanks for replying

Thanks mears.