Refusing 28 week rhogam shot?

[sunshine20]

Anyone in this boat? I've been told I'm rh negative and NEED the 28 week and possibly after the baby is born rhogam shot and am planning on refusing the 28 week shot. I'm just afraid my OB is going to drop me!!

I'm also pissed off the doctor waited until 25 weeks to tell me I was rh neg and needed to have this done. They've known my blood type since my first visit. Why wouldn't they have told me prior? *shakes head*

I'm scheduled to have it done in 3 weeks so I have 3 weeks to muster up the courage to tell my ob that I'm not having it done at 28 weeks but will if bubs turns out to be rh pos or if something happens.

 

[..katie..]

I've known my blood type for as long as I can remember. Was one of those things that I figured was important to know. (O-).
There are lots of medical backings to refuse it, and lots of medical reasons that you should get it. What are your reasonings?
Also, if you feel really strongly about it, you need muster up the courage to tell the OB now, rather than when they're about ready to jab your hip or else it's going to happen.

 

[sunshine20]

The whole shot has human blood in it is one of the issues along with some of the brands have mercury in them, im not comfortable injecting this shot into my body while the baby is in there. Apparently up until the last few years they only gave it after birth if the baby was rh pos and in other countries they only give the shot if baby is rh pos. I still can't find any real reason to get the 28 week shot since its my first pregnancy, I haven't had any bleeding, or any trama. They aren't giving me the shot at the OB, I have to make an apt to go to the hospital and have it done. My OB visit is the same week that they want me to get the shot. I figure I'll call them in a week or so once we get OHs blood type results back and let them know I'm refusing it.

 

[MustangGTgirl]

This exact thing has been discussed several times on this forum and the general consensus is that it is very foolish to refuse getting it. There is no proof that it harms you in any way and is only there to protect your baby. God forbid something happens to your baby because you did not get the shot, you would never forgive yourself.

Plus, you don't want your body developing antibodies that will affect any future babies that you may have.

Seriously, I would just get it. I have had it 8 times in my life and never had a single issue with it.

 

[..katie..]

The whole shot has human blood in it is one of the issues along with some of the brands have mercury in them, im not comfortable injecting this shot into my body while the baby is in there. Apparently up until the last few years they only gave it after birth if the baby was rh pos and in other countries they only give the shot if baby is rh pos. I still can't find any real reason to get the 28 week shot since its my first pregnancy, I haven't had any bleeding, or any trama. They aren't giving me the shot at the OB, I have to make an apt to go to the hospital and have it done. My OB visit is the same week that they want me to get the shot. I figure I'll call them in a week or so once we get OHs blood type results back and let them know I'm refusing it.

-it's a derivative of plasma. It's filtered lots and lots and lots and lots, and is about the same amount of "blood" as, say, jello.
-I dont know about the mercury. I think even if there was any in it, it would be so tiny that the human body wouldnt actually get any anything from is...considering as how oldfashioned thermometers aren't allowed anymore.

I don't know. I got the shot, and I have had no negative side effects, neither has my child (that I am aware of)...It didn't hurt. And its a really nice relief to know that if I get into a car accident or sustain trauma or something happens in the womb that we'll both be good.
I mean, I'm totally all for doing researching and making a good decision based on medical facts, but...I dunno. Make sure you know exactly whats up.

 

[red mom2b]

I got the shot, but a day or so before the ob gave me a test to see if my babies/me were developing antibodies (or something like that... not sure of the technicalities). Ask your ob if they have this test (it is a blood test). If you haven't developed the antibodies, you shouldn't need the shot. I recommend going on the Rho Gam's website. Obviously they are trying to sell you on the drug, but at least you can see the risks/benefits.

 

[JessPape]

This shot is as imporant for you as it is as inporant for your baby. Honestly, i wouldnt even second guess getting the shot, unless i knew my spouse was also rh-...

 

[Arisa]

I am almost at that stage too and being told I was rh neg from four weeks pregnant I knew I would need one and its important for the health of the baby if anything. Ive had that many blood tests during this pregnancy that another little jab is honestly nothing and its going to do your body and your baby a world of good

 

[The Alchemist]

I am not sure why your OB did not tell you that you're Rh negative because knowing would prevent issues from occurring to baby, not the mother. So, you're gonna have to get on your OB's case as to why he or she didn't tell you that since the first prenatal visit when they did blood work. This is one of the most important labs they look for is blood type.

Babies used to die (either as still born or sometimes post-delivery) back in the day before rhogam was made. There's a purpose to this medicine, dear. Look, EVERY medicine has side effects and dangerous adverse effects, but rhogam is known to have produced little if no effects at ALL. You don't want rh disease to destroy your babies red blood cells. This is the purpose to rhogam is to prevent that from happening. In my opinion, I think you should get the shot. Yes, do your research, but believe me, this is more beneficial to your baby than it is harmful. Ask your OB, nurse, other doctors, whoever in the medical field about this. Ask other ladies who have had it on this forum, there's a separate area for this, for more info.

 

[rory83coyotes]

the only way I would refuse the shot is to have oh tested and see if they are also negative. If he is then you might be able to refuse as there wouldn't be a chance of having a positive baby.. They developed this shot as a result of women having "blue babies" If you are only planning on having one and can guarentee that you have never had an early mc that you didn't know about then um ok. But as you have probably altered your diet, taken vitamins, tried to exersice and been healthy don't know why you would skip this one.

 

[Novbaby08]

I haven't been in your boat, but I do know, still birth is a possible outcome with that situation. And it would happen towards the end of your pregnancy. Really getting the shot is the smartest thing to do.

 

[Shylo]

I did allot of reading on this also with what my doctor told me. I couldn't wait to get the shot I'm rh- and my husband is o+. Basically I wasn't willing to risk the chance of mine and baby's blood mingling their are too many side effects if I were to ever conceive again. The death of my embryo could be just one, that being worst case, of course. I had my 28 week shot and in hopefully 3 weeks ive been told when I go into labour I'll get another. But then it took what felt like a life time to get pregnant in the first place.

It all comes down to personal choice, but for me it's worth it. But if you don't feel comfortable, I wouldn't let the doctor twist your arm.

 

[lori]

I got the shot, but a day or so before the ob gave me a test to see if my babies/me were developing antibodies (or something like that... not sure of the technicalities). Ask your ob if they have this test (it is a blood test). If you haven't developed the antibodies, you shouldn't need the shot. I recommend going on the Rho Gam's website. Obviously they are trying to sell you on the drug, but at least you can see the risks/benefits.

RhoGam is given to prevent antibodies from developing, so not currently having antibodies is not a good reason to refuse the shot. By getting the shot, you're protecting future pregnancies. I'm Rh negative and have had the shot 5 times now. I've seen the struggles that women with these antibodies can go through (I worked in L&D and am a NICU nurse), and it's just not worth the risk.

 

[Noahs mum]

I'm rh- and always had the shot and never have questioned it... As a PP has already said it prevents the antibodies forming and also protects future pregnancies

Make sure you look right into it pros/cons ect
Goodluck with your decision

 

[Arisa]

so by killing the antibodies it makes future pregnancies safer? this is also what my midwife told me but it can also prevent problems in first pregnancies too??

 

[HeatherAnAlex]

Atleast you were told you were getting the shot! lol I was told early on that i'm RH negatiive and i'd have to get a shot if OH is positive. but it never came up again until i went in to take my glucose test at 28 weeks.Lol they surprised me and told me THAT DAY i was getting the shot during my glucose test. was a big surprise to me hahaha.

I actually have the info pamphlet with me right now i'll type some of the highlights:

Hemolytic disease can be prevented

RH immunoglobulin (RhIg) is a blood product that can prevent sensitization of an RH neg. mother. it keeps her body from being able to respond to RH pos. cells.

RhIg is safe and easily obtained. RhIg is NOT helpful if the mother is already sensitized.

RhIg is safe for a preg. woman to use. The only known Side effects are a soreness where the drug was injected or a slight fever. BOTH side ffects will go away.

(I develeoped the slight fever, i slept through it though! only a few hours, i woke up all sweaty =( )

Doctor may suggest that the pregnant woman recieve RhIg around the 28th week to prevent sensitization for the REST of pregnancy.

After birth if the baby has Rh pos. blood the mother should be given another dose of RhIg. In almost all cases this treatment prevents the woman from making antibodies to the Rh pos. cells she may have recieved from her fetus before and during delivery. NO treatment is needed if the father of baby or baby iis also Rh Neg.

The treatment is good ONLY for the pregnancy in which it is given.

These antibodies that the pregnant woman's body makes go back to the fetus and attack the fetal blood. They break down the red blood cells and produce anemia, this condition is called Hemolytic disease. It can become severe enough to cause serious llness, brain damage or even death in the fetus or newborn.

Once formed these antibodies do NOT go away.

In a first pregnancy, a small number of these pregnancies start having problems during the last 3 months

In a second pregnancy with an Rh pos. fetus the antibodies are more likely to cause Hemolytic disease in the fetus. in most cases, the condition becomes worse in later pregnancies

NOW

What happens if Antibodies develop???

Once a woman develops antibodies RhIg treatment does not help.
Doctors are finding ways to save infants who get hemolytic disease. A mother who is Rh sensitized will be checked during her pregnancy to see if the fetus is developing the disease.

In Some cases of Hemolytic disease the doctor may suggest delivery at the normal time. Delivery may be followed by a type of transfusion for the baby that will replace the diseased blood cells with healthy blood. For more severe cases the baby may be delivered early or given transfusions while still in the mothers uterus.



PHEW! lol After reading all that I thought it was in my and my babys best interest to recieve the shot. I hope this helps some of you ladies!

 

[esst]

I will be getting the shot. Both my DH and I donate blood/plasma/etc so I'm aware that he is A+ and I am O-. I don't plan to have more than one child but I don't want to risk problems with it or if there is any type of blood mixing between me and my little man.

They have every rh negative mother do this just to be on the safe side and I think it is for good reason.

 

[arj]

Do you want any more babies after this? Refusing it can harm your chances. I wouldnt take the risk of refusing just incase baby is positive and your body rejects the baby.

 

[The Alchemist]

Hopefully, the info that HeatherAnAlex provided will help OP make a sound decision.

For me, I am 1,000% pro rhogam if I were Rh negative and would suggest it for any ladies who are Rh neg. All it does is save babies and prevent complications.

 

[Blizzard]

I've already had one shot, a few weeks ago I took a hard knock to the bump so I had an anti D shot then. I will have another at 28 weeks. If there was any way to avoid it I would, I'm petrified of needles and I was shaking and sweating while they did it. I know that it's the best thing to do though, so I will. Taking a big strong friend so I can cling sadly hubby has to work . I think anything that could prevent problems for my baby boy is worth it. Xx