Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Declined Rhogam After Miscarriage - Effect on Future Pregnancies?

by Stephanie
(Canada)

Hello,

I was just reading your article on how you said "No" to the Rhogam. I recently had a miscarriage and was forced with the same question as I am O-. I declined to have the shot. Although I do not regret the decision I am very worried of the effects it will cause with future pregnancies. I am planning on talking to my doctor before we try again, however, I was just wondering if you have any insight on this?

I am terrified to try again if there is a high risk on the baby. I ask my self is it really worth trying to have a baby if it will have to go through such horrible medical problems, or even death?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Steph

Answer:

Steph,

You can put your mind at rest quickly by asking your doctor to do a simple blood test to see if you've been sensitized or not. It's called an Indirect Coombs test and it will tell you if your body was sensitized after your miscarriage.

Chances are you were not - but if you were, this test will tell you and you can make plans.

The March of Dimes reports that most babies with Rh Disease have a very good chance of survival with advancements in modern medicine, but you would careful monitoring throughout your pregnancy if you were sensitized.

If your baby were Rh- as well, it wouldn't be a problem for him or her at all, but an Rh+ baby could develop anemia.

March of Dimes information.

The chances of becoming sensitized after miscarriage are very slim - less than after a traumatic birth or a blood transfusion.

Generally the dose of Rhogam given after miscarriage is a much lower dose than in the prenatal/postpartum shot because the chance of sensitization is so much lower.

I would recommend you call your doctor and request the Indirect-Coombs to help put your mind at ease. It's a simple routine blood test and you should get results quickly.

Best of luck to you Stephanie!