K antibodies in friends blood - 16weeks PG - should she be worried?

[3missyshohoho]

Hi, She has been told not to worry but also that that there isn't enough research into what k antibodies do (if anything) to mum and baby. She is getting 4 weekly checks up until 28 weeks and then 1 every 2 weeks after this. Has anyone else has k antibodies while they have been pregnant - any advice etc as she feels a bit in the unknown.TIA

BUMP!

Anyone?

Hi, I had C anti bodies, which is the same thing but diff type.

Basically it depends on the levels of the anti boxdies in her blood and then how the baby reacts to these levels.

Her levels could get very high and the baby not be effected, or her levels could stay low but the baby be very effected.

She will have to have regular blood tests for them to check the levels and if they reach a certain level she should then have regular scans to check that the baby isn't becoming unwell. The baby can become jaundiced and anemiac as the antibodies basically attack the baby's red blood cells as if it were an infection. The scans check for something called hydrops, which is fluid under the skin, and would be a sign that baby is becoming unwell.

If baby does become unwell and levels continue to rise, then baby can either be delivered early, or this isn't an option can be given a transfusion through mums tummy into the womb and into baby.

this has some good info on it.

If you want to ask anything else just shout.

My ds didn't become ill in the womb, but was jaundiced very shortly after birth and it lasted for about 4 weeks and then he became anemiac.

Thanks nutcracker I will pass this info on to her. good to here you have a healthy Dc now.... worrying though at the time I am sure because of the uncertainty and the not knowing. She is being checked etc regually though so sure things will be ok.

No problem.

As she is having regular checks they should both be fine as any problems will be picked up right away.

It is worrying and there isn't much info around about it, but i'm sure someone at the hospital woulod be prepared to sit and tell her more just to put her mind at rest.

Thanks. TBH she feels a bit in the dark as the few professionals she has spoken to have given her the impression that they aren't sure either making her feel slightly anxious but lke you say regular checks will be able to spot anything a miss so sure she and baby will be fine.