Mom's with Negative Blood and Dad's with Positive blood-Rhogam

I haven't done much research on Rhogam, but I had the exact same problem with my first child. I'm O- and my husband is O+. I had 2 Rhogam shots and my daughter is a smart, healthy, vibrant little girl. From what I understand, complications from mismatched blood occurs most often in the second child, not the first. I always understood that the rhogam was more to prevent problems with the second child, then then first. Talk to your doctor.

1 mom found this helpful

My mom is B-, my dad is A+. All four of us kids are positve, and my mom got the rhogam shot with all four of us and we all turned out perfectly healthy. I wouldn't worry about getting the shot. It's been around for...well, at least 34 years.

As a doula, let me just suggest that whatever decision you make, be at peace with it. Few things can slow labor like being worried or nervous. Make sure you have a good support system. Remember, you are a good mother already and you can make better choices for your baby than anyone else!

In the old days (the 60's, for instance), babies died due to Rh incompatability. That is when mom becomes sensitized to baby's blood and makes antibodies to it. The first baby did OK, the second baby worse and, by the third or fourth baby, there were major problems. Rhogam is immunoglobulin against the Rh factor. It blocks the mom's body from being sensitized. Initially it was given after delivery but now it is given during pregnancy because you don't always know when there can be some leakage. Rhogam has been being used for several decades without problems for fetuses. Initially, it contained thiomerosol which made some people nervous. It no longer does.

I have negative blood & my husband has positive blood and we have 3 healthy children. I did the rhogam with every pregnancy - at 28 weeks, whenever I had bleeding and after the birth for the one that was positive. There were no side effects and the shot itself was not a big deal. The very very small risk of problems with rhogam is completely overshadowed by the very real risk of harm to this and future babies. I would receommend the shot without reservation!!!

I have negative blood also and with both of my pregnancies and now with my third(curently pregnant due in July) I have and will get the rhogam shot. They are no picnic do not get me wrong, but if you are planning on having more than one child I strongly suggest it. If you do not get it you could possibly have a miscarriage next time around!!! To me that is very scary, and not even worth the risk!!! If I were you I would get it. Best of luck with your new little one!!!

My blood type is AB- and my husband's is A+. I have had 4 babies and and they all got their father's positive blood type. I have gotten the rhogam shot at 28 weeks and after the birth with each of them. I never had any complications. If fact, as much as I HATE needles, I was glad I got the shots to protect myself and my babies. I hate to think what may have happened if I had not recieved the shots. I think it's a wise thing to do.

I got the Rhogam shot with my first baby. The thing is that you can't know if you have the same blood type until they are born and it's more preventative than anything. If the baby is positive and you are exposed to their blood in delivery it can hurt your ability to have any more baby's with the same blood type. My dughter is just fine and we are different types (i'm negative and she's positive)i'm glad that i got the shot.

If you decide to go ahead with Rhogam, know that you can get a thymerisol-free version of this drug. The word is that Bayer Pharmaceuticals markets it under their product name of BayRoh-D. This mercury free product has been available since 1996. Their number is 800-468-0894. Good luck to you. I wish I'd know about this option when I had my Rhogam.

I did not have Rhogham at 28 weeks with my first pregnancy mainly because I was advised that my blood and my baby's would not mix unless there was traumatic injury.... I did, however, have it after delivery. Unfortunately, I was sensitized and have since learned that it is common for mother and babes blood to mix across the cord. My second pregnancy was very complicated. I had twins and both were born with hemolytic anemia and had to be under blue lights for 9 days, 24 hours a day--some days I only got to hold them for 20 minutes.... Obviously this interfered with breastfeeding, etc. They both had to have blood transfusions.

I would definitely get the Rhogham....

The only experience I have had is that my daughter in law had the shot the first trimester then another shot after the baby was born. First baby was healthy, and the second baby was healthy. BUT I do not know what the babies blood types are.. thank you for reminding me to ask them that question!

I took it with both kids. It’s a good idea. It was never given as an option. You will need another one after delivery as will the baby. You should also know that our babies end up having a little more problem being jaundice but nothing to worry about. Your chances of conceving after this child are not good if you don't get the vaccines that you need! I am o-
both my kids are o+

Take the shot! I had 4 babies--all with positive blood and I am negative. Rhogam did nothing to my babies and it made it so my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th babies survived. Many years ago, my aunt lost babies because they didn't know how the Rh factor affected subsequent pregnancies. Your chances of having a negative Rh baby are slim and it is such an important precaution.

I took Rhogam with both pregnancies. I was 30 and 34 at the tine. For me the benefits out-weighed the risks. Both of my daughters ended up with positive blood... (lucky for them!) Talk to your doc about your reservations. But I had no trouble and would always take the shot over the alternative.

Hi T.-
I am O- and my husband is 0+. I had all the rhogam injections. I was 40 when my daughter was born and did invitro to get her, so I was not about to risk anything. My daughter, who is 0+, could not be more healthy and more perfect and I had a flawless pregnancy/delivery. Good luck...I would get the shots.
N.

I am o- and have had the shot with my three children, and there has never been any harm to my children. They have all three ended up with positive blood. It is safer to take it, if you want more than one kid.

I had the shot with both of my babies before and after they were born. I understand that you are skeptical of shots, but in my opinion I really don't think that this is an optional thing. The complications that could happen with your other babies is a very real danger and I personally would not risk it. My husband and I have decided to delay vaccinations with our girls. We have let them get a few, but not as much and as often as recommended. So I do understand your fears. But I think that the consequences of not having the shot is proven. Whereas, you don't really know the consequences of having the shot if there even are any. Just my opinion.

My blood type is A negative. I have had two children and have had the rhogam shot each time. No big deal. As it turns out both of my kids have the same blood type as me, but there was no harm to either baby because of the injection.

I have had 5 kids, and had to have the rhogham with all the pregnancies. Safe and worth it. There is a lot of negative that can happen without it. Good luck!

I am 33 and have three children i had to have the shot with all three of my children and they all turned out just fine and beautiful...they are 13, 11 and 8 and nothing has ever shown from getting the shot

At 19 I had a miscarriage. At 24 I gave birth to twins. I have RH- blood and had to have the shot in the middle and at the end. I then had my 3rd daughter and had the same thing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with my children mentally, physically, nothing. They are healthy girls. That was something I knew was needed and I didn't worry about whether or not to have it. I hope this helps. K.

I am inthe same situation with the blood types. I have had three babies and had the shot every time. No concerns and no health issues. Good Luck Susi

I say better to be safe than sorry. Plus if the baby happens to be negative, you can skip the second shot! My mom is O- and I am O+ and she got the rhogam shot (with my sibling as well) and I am happy healthy and have a family of my own!!

I have O negative blood so needed to recieve the Rhogam shot with all three of my pregnancies. I have 3 healthy beautiful daughters all of which ended up having Positive blood type. We have seen no side effects from the shots.

T.,
Hi, I have negative and my husband has positive. I took the Rhogam shots during both pregnancies and have two perfect as can be, healthy kids 2 and 3 1/2 years old. I don't see a problem with it nor do I or my kids have any (known) side effects. It's wise of you to be concerned though and do as much research as you can.

On the other hand, my husband and I have been very conservative concerning all the vaccinations the doctors and clinics want to give your babies once they are born. We will be homeschooling so we are very selective as to what vaccinations they are going to receive and which ones they don't need.

Take care and God Bless

I don't know much about rhogam, but I was an rh+ baby born to an rh- mom. (I was the second child - after my mom had a stillborn.) I have heard stories about how sick I was because of the rh difference. There was no traumatic injury to me or my mom before birth, I think the blood mixed during birth (since she really didn't have any problems before delivering). She did have a difficult birth though. (They have come a long way since the 70s.) I would look into Rhogam if I were you. Do as much research as you can and make the best decision for your baby.

I did a ton of research on vaccinations before and after my son was born. I have been fully vaccinated, but planned not to vaccinate my son. After a lot of research (books, online, other parents, doctors), my husband and I did decide to go with the vaccinations. Do your research and talk to lots of people (on both sides of the debate) and make the decision you are most comfortable with...it has to be your personal decision either way..

Best of luck!

T.-
My husband and I had the same dilema. I'm negative and he's positive. I've had 3 children. The first and 3rd were negative like me. My 2nd was positive like her father. I had the shot AFTER her delivery and suffered no ill effects. We felt there wasn't any danger in having another baby after that so we had our 3rd one and all of the babies were fine. So fine as a matter of fact, that, they are now 30, 24 and 22.
B. P

I ended up getting 3 Rhogam shots with my first baby just a year ago. I know they're not always necessary, even when the mom is negative and the dad is positive. Most of the time with the first, they don't need to give a shot till after the baby is born and they figure out whether the baby is positive or negative. If the baby is negative, then nothing, but either way, it's not till after the baby is born.

Do some research and make sure your doctor knows your preference - to not get one unless actually necessary. You can decline it even when the docs think it's necessary.

I have O negitive blood type and I am also 28 weeks going on 29. But I have had the Rhogam shot and it didnt effect me or the baby at all. I was just at the hospital with another problem dealing with me and they monitered the baby and he is perfectly healthy after I had it. So I suggest it very highly.

Its absolutely safe! That's why they want you to do it.

I don't know if this will help you, but when I was 30 and pregnant with my first child, I had to get the Rhogam injection for the same reason. I didn't have any problems, and the baby was fine and I went on to have three more kids (two more pregnancies, I had twins on the last preganancy). The doctors gave me a card to keep so that I could keep track of when I got the shot for future pregancies. Sorry this isn't a scientific or medical response to ease your fears, but I am a mom who has gone through it and everything was fine. Good luck and God bless.

My husband and I also dealt with the Rh Factor (I'm A- and he is 0+). I didn't receive Rhogam with my first son, who is 0-, but did receive the rhogam at 28 weeks with the other two, who ended up having positive blood types.
Most doctors like to err on the side of caution and give the rhogam at 28 weeks. However, with the first baby there usually isn't complications from mixing of blood during the birth, it's subsequent births you need to consider.
Is rhogam more effective if taken at 28 weeks or is it's relative effectiveness the same if only received after birth? What advise have you been given concerning the first baby and effect on future births?
It's a personal decision. Best wishes.

i am not totally sure about studies of the drug but i had the shot both times with both of my kids with no adverse reactions. one thing i can say is it was kind of a big needle and one of the more painful shots i have had. expect a knot in your arm for a day or two. i guess i thought the benefits out weighed the risks with this one.

I know you have a lot of responses and I didn't read them all....but I have "hard to type" blood so sometimes it comes up as A- but it's really A+. And even though my husband is A+, I still got the shot "just in case." As far as I understand, it doesn't have any effect on the baby at all. And it's really only helpful with future pregnancies, not your first. So if you want more children, get the shot so you can carry them to full-term without any cause for concern. It's just a tiny shot - easier than a flu shot. Why risk NOT getting it when you KNOW the outcome can be bad?

I have negative blood and had 2 Rhogam shots because my daughter has positive blood. I felt that it was in my best interest and the interest of my future children to have the shots. The chances of me having a child with negative blood are very slim, and I don't want to have problems later on. My grandma has negative blood and all of her children have positive blood. She had them before the shots and was afraid that they wouldn't live. I know technology can be scary, but I would say that if you are planning on having more children to take every precaution you can.

I have negative blood and both my children were born A+. I chose to have the shots both times and both my children are fine.

The reason I chose to have the shots was that my mother is positive and all her children were born negative. My older sister and I are fine but my youngest sister had complications at her birth. She spent three weeks in the NICU and to this day has a huge scar on her leg where they administered her IV. I was honestly more concerned about what would happen should I NOT get the shots rather what would happen with the Rhogam. Good luck.

I have negative blood as well and had a Rhogam injection with all three of my daughters. They are all beautiful, healthy, precociousl little girls.

Hi T.-

According to my doctor, if you don't get the shot and the blood does mix, it's not a problem with the first baby. The blood mixing, however, will cause your body to produce antibodies that will fight any future baby. So if you're only going to have one (which you said you want many), it's not an issue. If you want more than one baby, you probably should get the shot. Best of luck!

I think the Rhogam shot is a wonderful thing. I am sure without it I wouln't have some of my children. I have O- and my hubby has O+. I have had the shot 11 times (3 miscarriages and 4 children) without any negative affects at all. All of my children have thier dads blood type so I had the shot with each pregnancy and after each birth (once with each miscarrage). My daughter is 11 and my boys are 6,3, and 18 months and they are all very normal, beautiful, and happy children. My advice is if you want more children you should get the shot!
Good luck to you!

I am A- and my husband is not. I had had three kids and all 3 ended up being A- as well.. very rare! I had Rhogam with all three pregnancies including my first pregnancy. There are not enough possible side effects of the baby that is worth the possibility of the troubles that come with A- blood. If you have other children, they could possibly die if you don't receive the rhogam. I have a friend whose daughter didn't get the shot and her baby died!
You have to get a shot of rhogam at 28 weeks and IF the baby if not A- then you receive the second shot. I never had to get the second shot since all of mine were A-.
It is well worth it to receive the shot and will give you peace of mind, which is vital to a new mommy!
Nothing negative came from my rhogam shots.
Good luck.

If you want more kids, get the shot!!! I'm RH- and have had the shot both times with both of my babies. While you mention you're skeptical about most vaccinations, the risks to subsequent pregnancies/babies (as you probably know) far outweigh any possible side effects from the shot.
Good luck!

If this is your first pregnancy you should not need the Rhogam shot. I would not get it if I were you. The risks outweigh the benefit. They did a study on infants whose mothers had not yet had them vaccinated but had had a Rhogam shot during pregnancy and EVERY single one had a positive level of mercury in their system. This is potentially damaging to an adults fully developed nerve system so how much more to a fetus'? In addition it has been shown that "Giving rhogam during pregnancy can reduce the risk of HDN by less than 1%". That doesn't sound like very good odds to me. If you would like more information here is a link I found http://www.vaccinetruth.org/rhogam.htm
They also show a link between the mercury in the Rhogam shot and autism. Bayer makes a mercury free Rhogam shot so if you do decide to get it I would request that one. The above link has more information on the mercury free version. Also I would recommend reading Tim O'Shea's The Sanctity of Human Blood, Vaccination is not Immunization. It is truly eye opening. Also if you decide to get the shot, you can get it within 72 hours of giving birth and be protected for your next child without endangering your current child. I would definately not get this shot during my pregnancy. I hope this information helps you to make the best decision for you whatever that may be. Before I was educated about this I did receive a Rhogam shot during my pregnancy, one of my biggest regrets. I would really recommend reading that book too before you even think about vaccinating your child. Good luck with everything. And congratulations, the fact that you are already so concerned with your childs well being shows that you will be a great mom!! Also I would like to add to all the moms that say that the benefits of vaccinations to the child far outweigh the risk, that is simply untrue. As a society, we want to believe everything our doctors say but I encourage you to do some research on this including reading that book and you will be sickened by how many risks they're really are.

T.,

I had the same problem with my daughter. I got the shot and had no problems. My daughter is perfectly healthy and developed just fine. She is 9 months old and hasn't been sick or anything. I don't think that you should worry about any negative impacts. Good luck and congratulatiions on the pregnancy!

hi T. im now 38 and im negative and my hubby is positive i wound up having to get an rh factor shot for because of the difference in bloodf types it dosent hurt to get one.

I had the Rhogam injection with both of my boys - it wasn't something I questioned. If a tiny shot could prevent something serious from happening then why not? I've never had any side effects from it and my boys are very healthy. The nurse gave me the shot in my rear end and I didn't even know she did it. It was fast and painless and it was one less thing for me to worry about with my pregnancies.

As for vaccinations - I'm not sure why you wouldn't vaccinate your child. I'm not sure what your reasons are, but from my point of view, it's not worth the risk to them or anyone else. I trust my pediatrician and I know he wouldn't recommend something that would be harmful or unnecessary. I agree with a lot of the other moms that have posted - the benefits far outweigh any risks. The worst my children have ever experienced from their vaccinations is a tiny fever. Good luck with your decision!

There is a slight chance that the genetics will work out for your child to have Rh- blood; however, the Rh factor is a recessive gene, meaning that your child has a higher chance of being Rh positive. With that in mind, if you plan to have children in the future, you would be putting them in mortal danger if you do not have the injection and your current child IS Rh positive. However, if you are concerned about affects to your child in utero, you can decline the 28 week injection and opt to stick with the postpartum injection only. With no trauma during your pregnancy, your main risk for blood mixing is during the birth. Definitely do some research online to find out as much as you can, and then approach your obstetric provider with your questions and concerns. Once you can truly make an informed decision, make your own choice and don't let anyone pressure you into changing your mind!

I have negative blood and my husband has positive blood. I've have the Rhogam shot with no side effects. My daughter's blood is positive so I am happy that I had the shot. You should talk to your doctor about the possible side effects, but as I understand they would be to you (minor and unlikely) and not the baby. For me, the risk out weighed the benefit. I have not vaccinated any of my kids so far. Good luck and congrats on your pregnancy!

Hi T.,
I have 3 kids and also have negitive blood, I had the rhogam shot with all of them and then after with only 2. All my babies came out heathy and normal. I took the shot because of all the what ifs that could have happened which would have put both the baby and I in a jam. If I had not gotten the shot the first time I am not sure I would have anymore kids, If your blood and the babies mix at any point and you haven't had the shot it can affect your future children. I found this website that makes it alot easier to understand.
Hope this helps and good luck...
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/pregna...

Congrats on the baby

Having Rhogam is not a big issue--nothing to be afraid of or worry so much about. I am RH negative, my husband is RH positive. With my first baby they gave me the shot after he was born--his blood was positive and the shot would protect me from problems with future pregnancies. I have had five children--only one was RH negative. With my fourth child, they started giving Rhogam midway through the pregnancy because they had discovered that crossover could occur during the pregnancy, not just at childbirth.
Rhogam prevents major complications that could occur in future pregnancies--don't be afraid of it, it won't hurt you or the baby. My oldest is now 30, my youngest 22--they've been using Rhogam for a very long time with no negative implications.

I believe you should get the Rhogam. I have had two babies, both positive, and I am negative. They are both healthy and normal, so I don't believe the shot affected them in any way. There is always a risk, but I believe that risk is tiny compared to the risk of what could happen if you don't get the shot and your baby ends up being positive. You need to have the Rhogam in your body already before the baby is born, because once the baby's blood mixes with yours during childbirth, your body would go right to work preparing antibodies that would affect your next positive child, and the next and the next. It's a matter of comparing risks - with the Rhogam there might be a small possibility of having some sort of effect, though it's not likely. Without the Rhogam, you could affect your child-bearing ability for the rest of your life.

When I was pregnant in May of last year, I did a research on vaccinations. After everything I read and heard, I feel they are safe and very helpful for children. I would trust your doctor, and take the rhogam shot for your baby's sake. If you haven't already, research the good and bad about rhogam shots. Also, remember that kids have been vaccinated for years without any serious problems.

I have had a Rhogam shot with each pregnancy because I have A- Blood Type. Although, both of my children have my blood type, I didn't have to get the booster. I think it is a good idea, if you know for a fact that your husband is positive, and you are negative, your risk for stillbirth or miscarriage increases substanstially in future pregnancies without the series of shots. I definitely think the positives outweigh the negatives.

I am Rh negative and have given birth to four children who have all been Rh positive. I was given the Rhogam during my pregnancies and after each delivery. All of my children are healthy and have absolutely no health problem or birth defects. I highly recommend getting the shot, it only protects any future babies you may have. Think too, you are Rh- and getting the shot does not cause you any problems, it only allows for your body to not build antibodies against Rh+ blood. I know it is scary but the outcome of what may happen if your baby is positive and then you get pregnant with another positive baby; the scenario could be traumatic for you. Hope this helps!!!Good luck with the pregnancy!!

My hubby and I are the same way, blood wise. I had bleeding problems with both pregnancies at the beginning, so I had to get the shot right off, then about 28 weeks? or so I think (prego amnesia :) and when I had my kiddos. They were both fine. I did have a miscarriage several years before my sons were born tho and I've always wondered if it was because of the blood type prob. Both my sons have positive blood types like my husband. Good luck, looks like you've gotten a lot of good advice.

Hi T.,

I'm - and my hubby is +. I have a 13 mo old and am now 28 weeks pregnancy with my second. I had the Rhogam shots with my first with absolutely no problems. She is a very active and healthy 13 month old. I've also had to have a Rhogam shot with this pregnancy at 14 weeks due to bleeding and then the normal one at 28 weeks. My OB said that there wasn't any adverse affects on the baby. Just a side note, my mom was + and dad was -. All four of us kids were - and she didn't get the shot until after we were born. All four of us were jaundiced at birth, with increasing affects as each child was born. (My two little brothers had to stay in the hospital a few days to sit under the bilirubin lights) I've heard that jaundice and differing blood types between mom and baby are associated, but haven't done any research on it. Anyway, that's why my mom strongly suggested that I get the Rhogam shots with my kids. Good luck to you!

I read that the main concern was the mercury content in the old vaccinations. Otherwise, I never really saw anything to that did more than hint at the possibility that the antibodies themselves caused problems for mom or baby. The benefit outweighed the risk to me, so I had the 28 week one and one right before birth, since you can't guarantee whether your birth will go perfectly or be traumatic. It was just one less thing to worry about in my mind. I also had one following a very early miscarriage and it didn't affect me in any way.
Good luck! This will be the first of many decisions you will have to make regarding vaccinations and your baby!

T. - I had 8 beautiful children and needed Rhogam shots after more than half of them were born. At that time they only gave the shots after the birth. My daughter is having the same problem now. She has three lovely children so far. I am not sure if they are giving her shots during the pregnancies but I think so. It doesn't appear to cause any problems with the children. I too am one who does not like vaccinations but I am so thankful that the shots were available so that I could have so many and our children and grandchildren are all healthy and wonderful. Good luck! You have a great experience ahead of you. Bonzai

T.,
I am AB- and have had the shot with all 7 of my kids with no side effects whatsoever. My mother, on the other hand, lost 6 babies, carried to full term, because of her incompatability with their blood. She knows that if Rhogam had been around then, she would have a much larger family now! Good luck with your decision, but know that there are soooo many women out there in your same situation that have received this shot without any negative results.

I too am a negative blood and husband's positive. I haven't heard of any problems with the Rhogam and I have had it four or five times. 3 times for my 3 full term pregnancies and 1-2 times for miscarrages. I'd rather have my babies not have problems and suffer a miscarrage. I didn't have any reactions or fevers or even soreness of my arm or butt. All my boys came up O positives. I wouldn't take a risk of not doing the Rhogam. But I know it's always a personal descision....
Best wishes....

Hi T.,
I am also RH Negative. I am very glad that I had the shot both at 28 weeks and also at the end of pregnancy. Without the shot having a second child may have been impossible for me. I have already had a miscarriage but because of the shot my second child is strong and healthy.

It can be scary to have the shot and be unsure of the affects on your current baby but without the shot a second child will most likely be impossible because with the birth of your first child, your blood will mix during delivery.

I hope this makes sense. Getting several opinions from different doctors may help you in your decision. I guess I just looked at it as the less of two hard decisions.

Yours truly,
M.

Having worked in health care for 26 years, let me highly suggest that you not put your next pregnancy at risk. Although I work in family practice and not OB/GYN, I do know the outcome of children that have Rh factor complications. Rhogam has been used successfully for many years without undue complications to the unborn child. As for vaccinations, you need to do MUCH more research as unvaccinated children cause irresponsible exposures to young infants, immune suppressed cancer patients, and long term disease related complications in the non-vaccinated individual. Make an appointment with an infectious disease specialist if you have doubt. Don't rely on the internet for your information! Good luck with your pregnancy.