antibodies and rhesus negative

[AnnieDelores]

Does anyone know if you get automatically screened for antibodies in your blood if they find you are Rhesus Negative at your 1st antenatal appointment?

I was told I was Rhesus Negative by my midwife today. However she was in a real rush so didn't explain much in detail - just gave me a leaflet!!!!

I'm furious and anxious because I had an abortion 7 years ago at around 8 weeks pregnant and could have been sensitised - I was not offered an Anti-D shot.

The midwife did not metion whether or not they tested my blood sample for antibodies. Would they have done this routinely? Its now Friday night and I'm in a real panic about having to wait until Monday to get the answer to this question.

They say you don't need a anti D till after 12weeks so there won't be any danger from your abortion and they check your blood again at 28weeks when you have a routine anti D injection and bloods.
Hope that helps in some way.

25weeks with DC3 and never had any problems apart from the anti D injections being annoying.

And congratulations. :)

I wasn't tested for antibodies as far as I know and had an m/c at 7 weeks a couple of years ago. I did have anti-D at 27 weeks and will again the week after next (35 weeks).

Sorry, hopefully someone more helpful will be along in a minute.

Hi Annie
I am Rhesus neg too and have MC'd a few times at 7/8 weeks so I was very concerned too, looked into it and contacted MW, apparently sensitising cannot occur before 12 weeks.
I think I recall that it is something to do with the blood circulation not being formed before this stage.
Phone MW at the hospital if you are still concerned.
Congrats on your pregnancy, relax and if you have any sensitising issues, falls etc between now and your injection get thee to the hospital for a mini dose of anti D.
Luck.

I'm Rhesus neg and had an m/c at 9.5 weeks. It was too early to worry about antibodies. However, my sister, also Rh-, lost her baby at 14 weeks and had to have the injection. 8 weeks is too early. You'll be fine.

Hi, I'm Rh- and my initial blood group test results indicate that I was tested for antibodies at that stage.

Totally understand your concern about the abortion, but don't be too anxious, I had one at 10 weeks 12 years ago at which I was not offered an Anti-D shot and there were no antibodies in my blood.

In terms of ongoing care, my 28 week blood test was also screened for anti-bodies and my DH's blood group was also tested at the 20 week scan appointment. He's also Rh- so I didn't need Anti-D but if I would have had the injection at 30 weeks had I neeeded to. I also have a card which identifies me as Rh- should I come in to contact with any HCPs who think it may be relevant to provide me with anti-D.

HTH

Hi, I think it depands whre you live, im rh- and with my first pregnancy was given anti-D twice in pregnancy and once after delivery,they didnt actually screen for antibodies though. With this pregnancy I thought they would screen as I know the risk is higher second time round but apparently not! They just give anti-D again

All resolved. I spoke to them today and they did screen me for antibodies. Lesson learnt here is to ask questions even if the midwife rushes you out after 10 mins!