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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Anti-D injection question

40 replies

BadgerFace · 04/07/2012 17:40

Hello, I've just found out that I need to have an Anti-D injection as I'm RhD Negative.

The letter says to ring and book an appointment for when I am 28 weeks pregnant but then goes on to say it should be when I am in my 28th week.

So does that mean that I book it for when I am, say, 27+3 or when I am 28+3?

V confused first timer! Thanks in advance for any replies.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

minipie · 05/07/2012 12:34

I asked about this recently Badger and the midwife said DH would need to get the blood test authorised by our GP. So DH is off to see the GP soon and then get tested, hopefully he can get this all done before I hit 28 weeks.

at not being the father given you had IVF!

Apparently only 20% of people are negative so chances are against us!

Original poster

BadgerFace · 05/07/2012 13:44

Chances may be against us Minipie, but somebody's got to be the lucky ones who are negative compatible so why not us I say...

OP posts:

PurplePidjin · 05/07/2012 13:55

Afaik two - people can still have a + baby if they both carry + as a recessive gene...

Idratherbeknitting · 05/07/2012 13:55

I've had 4DC, and had many, many doses of anti-D. Mine were always at 28weeks, 36 weeks and after delivery (I have 3 A+ babies and one O+). They are now one combined dose I believe, but I missed that by a couple of weeks.

My sister (also A-) refused to have them as her DH is also A-...and did get asked if he was the father. She was up in arms about having blood products.

I think if it's going to protect my babies, it needs to be done. The ones I had with DD2 (6+ yrs ago) were the most painful as they had to come from the hospital fridge straight in to leg; but the ones I had for DS (about three months ago) didn't hurt at all as the midwives had them out and ready, so I think the anti-D is better now than it was.

Oh, and I never knew you had to have more if you had a bleed???

gnocci · 05/07/2012 13:58

Purple - nope, impossible for two negs to have a pos :)

AThingInYourLife · 05/07/2012 13:58

"I asked about this recently Badger and the midwife said DH would need to get the blood test authorised by our GP."

Well that's bollocks. As long as you know his blood group you can consent to the injection or not.

I think that's why they did DH's at the antenatal clinic - it meant they had the results on file.

minipie · 05/07/2012 15:14

No no AThing I don't know his blood group, he doesn't know either. I meant the midwife clinic wouldn't do the blood test without GP authorising it first. Luckily our GP is lovely and hands out blood tests like smarties so should be no problem.

Original poster

BadgerFace · 05/07/2012 15:34

I think Idratherbeknitting's post has just made a penny drop in my head: I hadn't realised that this rhesus thing was the + or - attached to a blood group categorisation such as A- or O+.

I assumed it was some some of thing which was specifically tested for like when you get checked for rubella...

DH has had loads of blood tests, so I assume the GP must have it on their records!

OP posts:

minipie · 05/07/2012 15:44

Yep that's it Badger so I am A- and the - bit is rhesus negative. Hope you can find out your DH's without more tests.

oikopolis · 05/07/2012 16:35

Pidgin they don't inject it in your actual bum, if that makes you feel any better :) it's more on the top of one bum cheek, closer to your lower back iyswim.

IME it's actually less painful there tbh! More padding, fewer nerve endings than in your arm. and it's not as embarrassing as it sounds, the nurse just lifts up your top, she doesn't usually need you to drop your trousers etc :)

Original poster

BadgerFace · 06/07/2012 11:24

Oh my god, this is driving me crazy. DH just rang the GPs. Apparently they are not legally allowed to give him a blood test to find out what blood group he is. WHAT?! That is the most ludicrous thing I have ever heard. Apparently the only way you can find out your blood group is to a) give blood or b) have an operation so they test it. Or presumably c) get pregnant.

WTAF.

He also rang the midwife who said that they their strong advice is for me to have the jab, even if he is negative because they have seen cases where there can still be problems with anti-bodies for a second child even where both parents are negative. He asked whether that was their advice really because of paternity questions but they claim not.

Hmmmm. I don't mind having the jab but I do want to know I am being given the right information before making a decision. But our hosiptal is also one of the leading paediatrics hospitals in the country so if their advice is to have the jab even when you're both negative maybe I should...

I am now on a crusade for DH to give blood ASAP (which he wanted to do anyway) coz obviously if he's positive then I can forget about the possibility of not having it in any case!

Anyway, rant over. This came shortly after my GP told me no, I couldn't make a midwife appointment for my 16 week check up now (as I had been advised to by the booking in midwife), I had to ring them two weeks before. Grrrr.

Anyone got any non-alcoholic to take the edge off?

OP posts:

minipie · 06/07/2012 11:39

that's a bit mental. Anti-D is expensive stuff so you'd think they'd want to avoid unnecessary jabs where they can.

Hmm, hope our GP is more cooperative.

AThingInYourLife · 06/07/2012 12:57

Illegal to test your blood to find out your blood group? :o

Bullshit!

There must be some target for getting women to agree to the jab that is making them tell lies about how you can end up with antibodies in your blood against a baby you've never carried.

Original poster

BadgerFace · 06/07/2012 15:29

I know, I'm sure the GP's receptionist should have just said we don't do those blood tests instead of saying it's not legal!!

DH is now booked in to give blood on 16 July and they send you a card with your blood type within 3 weeks so at least there is an uncomplicated solution!

He's bound to be + so I have to have it...

OP posts:

Dorisday13 · 08/07/2012 20:27

I also insisted my hubby was tested (he's positive so I'll have the jabs) I just called my gp and chatted about it and the doc issued a blood test form for us to take to the hospital.

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