Rhogam Injection Questions

Hi ladies, I need to get this at my next visit which is rapidly approaching and have not had a chance to really ask the dr. about it or do any research. Is there any reason why I should be concerned about getting this injection during pregnancy? Are there any potentially harmful consequences for me or my baby? Thanks so much.

Re: Rhogam Injection Questions

what is it exactly? i never heard of that so far during my preg.

Re: Rhogam Injection Questions

Got this from google:

rhogam injection

Editted because the first link I posted was a "propaganda site". This new link provides medical information.

Message edited 6/6/2007 12:27:25 PM.

Re: Rhogam Injection Questions

I have to go for this also... Apparently our blood has the negative factor so that means that if the baby is positive our bodies might fight against it b/c to the body its foreign so it will build antibodies for it. But it is supposedly more for your second child than the first. My doctor said that it is not harmful to the baby at all. if the baby is negative also then you dont have to take the shot on your next pregnancy but if the baby is positive then you do. i dont know if this helps at all. i hope i explained myself okay.

Re: Rhogam Injection Questions

I just had mine Monday. I could not find any draw backs to having it; it seems to protect you from your body trying to fight off your baby should your negative blood mix with the baby's positive blood.

I do have to warn you, it's a butt shot! Doesn't hurt though.

Re: Rhogam Injection Questions

It's only for pregnant women who have a negative blood type (which is something like 15%) Like the PP mentioned, if your baby is positive, your body will make antibodies and therefore they will most likely prevent any implantations in the future - so you might never be able to get pregnant again. You will also get it after the birth (although not sure if you do if baby is negative too - my DS was positive, so I got an additional shot after he was born)

I think that if your husband is also negative, you may not have any issues, but I just wouldn't want to take the chance.

Re: Rhogam Injection Questions

I had it done - it's no big deal AT ALL. Back in the pre-rhogam days, this was a really serious condition and oftentimes the baby would die from it. But now it's just a matter of getting a shot during the pregnancy (around 26 weeks or so - I dont completely remember) and then another shot in the hospital if your baby ends up having positive blood - which it most likely will have.

The rh factor is more of an issue for your 2nd and 3rd child because most likely there has already been some blood exchange from baby number 1 and the mother has already built up antibodies to the positive blood - so if you're pregnant with baby number 2 and the blood types mix, your body will recognize the postive blood as an enemy and will attack it (obviously I'm not a doctor and I'm sure there's a much more scientific way of explaining this).

But really - it's no big deal.

Re: Rhogam Injection Questions

The only thing I had from it was the inject site was sore for a day. Other than that it is not a big deal as far as injections go.

Re: Rhogam Injection Questions

You have to have the shot b/c of future pregnancies.

Basically what can happen is, if you dont have the shot, and your baby is RH+, your body may develope antibodies after birth. What then happens is your body will start to treat any further pregnancies as basically a foreign invader and try to get rid of it...kind of like fighting off an infection.

It wasnt all that long ago that women who were RH- could only have 2 children. Any more than that just wouldnt be carried to term.

You receive the shot during pregnancy to ward off any anitbodies being formed. Then after birth you usually only receive the shot if you baby is RH+.

I am RH- and all 5 of my kids have been RH+ so Ive had 6 shots! No adverse affects....

Re: Rhogam Injection Questions

Re: Rhogam Injection Questions

Thank you ladies - I was just worried because I read that some of the shots have mercury or a preservative in the shot that could cause nuerological or other problems for the baby. I think this may have been outdated information but I wanted to check if anyone heard of this. Also, I know when my mom had me they only gave the shot after the baby was born and not before. Thanks again

Re: Rhogam Injection Questions

I did research and my dr assured me nothing will hurt the baby. Do make sure that it is mercury free?

Re: Rhogam Injection Questions

thanks ladies. i never heard of this so i guess i may not need the shot i am 28 weeks. glad it doesnt harm the baby for you girls who need it