Rhesus negative

[Lunamoon23]

Hello all,

First pregnancy and had my 20 week scan yesterday, where I had to have another blood test to check baby's blood group and was informed I am Rhesus negative, and they're testing to find out if baby is negative or positive. The midwife told me is baby is positive it can be cause for concern, anyone else have experience of this who could offer any guidance/advice. Would be greatly appreciated! X

Hello :) I am negative and all 3 of my children are positive.

I had an anti d injection while pregnant and after birth and was told if bump was bumped I would need to have another injection. But managed to stay bump free throughout all my pregnancies even with toddlers.

Please do not worry x

I had this, but it was quite a while ago, kids are teens now. So things might have changed but I just wanted to reassure you that it wasn't a problem. I had to get an injection at some point - all fine!

It’s not a cause for concern, they shouldn’t have said that. It just means you need an ‘anti D’ injection at 28 weeks, after birth and if you had a knock to your bump. It’s very common.

If they are testing for the babies rhesus status then it's only an issue if the baby is Rhesus positive. All it means is anti-D injections during pregnancy and then after the birth (and if you have a fall or trauma to your tummy)

I had 2 babies and assume both are Rhesus positive as I had anti-D after both births (they didn't offer testing before the birth so only found out after they were born)

I'm negative, but my baby was also negative. Found out before the birth but they also checked after.

I wouldn't worry. My mum is AB negative and needed injections with me. I'm alive and well.

Well, mine is a teenager now so my info is well out of date, but I am A negative and she is O positive and I was advised that it only affects the second baby. Can't remember why now. But it was fine, is the point. Good luck!

It does only affect subsequent pregnancies, but you need anti D in first pregnancy if baby is a positive blood type.

@Peonies12 - that's interesting - thanks. I'm pretty sure I didn't have anything, but also acknowledge that advice changes (DD is 18 now) and memories fade.

It isn't anything to worry about and shouldn't have been presented to you in that way - it just means you'll need an anti D injection at 28 weeks if the blood result suggests that baby is rhesus positive. You might also need an extra anti D dose if you suffer any trauma to your bump like a heavy fall - if that happens then contact your midwife or maternity triage. If the bloods show that baby is likely to be rhesus negative then you won't have anti D during pregnancy, but they'll double check the blood type when the baby is born.

I am A Rh negative, all I recall is having injections after the birth of both my sons. One is 41 and the other 34, I or my sons have had no issues.

I think 15% of the population are RH- …..I am ….you just get the anti D jab at birth…no biggie

It does make me cross when a midwife worries a mum to be with something that is not worrying.

It just means some extra injections these days.

And the good thing is you get to find out the blood group of your baby. Not that it matters it is just interesting imo. And you don't find out if you are positive.

@TheSecretIsland All I know is that my baby is probably rhesus positive, they haven't told me what its blood group actually is.

I will add that healthcare staff are really bad at explaining this stuff - I had to have an anti D injection after surgery for a miscarriage last year and when I asked what it was for, they couldn't explain it properly, I was just expected to have the injection without asking questions. I had to Google it to find out what the point of it was.

I’m negative and 2 of my 3DC are positive. It wasn’t a problem at all for any of them. Just had the anti D jabs. You will be fine, enjoy your pregnancy and your little one when they arrive.

It tends to only be an issue in a subsequent pregnancy because if you are rh- and the baby is rh+ your body will only be activated to attack it if its blood actually comes into contact with yours, which tends only to happen during labour itself. Until then you're ok. Of course it could also come about if you took a real knock to the bump or had a miscarriage.

I am rh- and have had a few anti-d jabs over my pregnancies, including after D&C's, after birth, and after an incidence of unexplained bleeding. No issues although I haven't enjoyed needing to be aware of it and I know it can be such a source of anxiety. However, they can test the baby's blood for rh factor while you're pregnant, and your midwife should sort this for you. My current pregnancy is also rh- so I don't need to worry about it any more!

Please don't let it stress you out. You're aware of it and know what to do if you were to hurt bump etc. Now it's in your notes everyone who treats you will be aware too. Knowledge is power - just enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

Oops sorry just seen you are waiting to know results for baby. Ignore the bit about requesting that test!

That's awful @CluelessInLondon they should have told you. Again makes me cross it wasn't explained to you. Typical healthcare for women sadly.

I'm o negative and the blood test to check the baby is a new thing (I'm pregnant with my 3rd) they used to give you the anti D pre emptively - the risk is only to a second child and you'll only produce anti bodies if the babies positive blood comes into contact with your negative blood, from my understanding - now they check whether the baby is +/- if - you don't need it at all.

It’s really nothing to worry about nowadays. I’m rh- and was given anti-D as routine after my first birth. This was 25 years ago, I gather it’s a bit of a better process now.

Just echoing what everyone has said, it’s nothing to worry about.

Nice they check now rather than just jab you with that needle. Had many a row over those injections because babies dad was negative as well. They couldn't take my word for it that he was the dad apparently.

It's nothing to worry about OP.

That's great - really put my mind at ease. Thank you ladies! ❤️❤️