First of all, our big news is:
It's a BOY!!!
The rest of our news is about what we learned at our "high risk pregnancy consultation."
When I first visited the midwives, they took a blood sample to run the usual tests. My blood showed that I have an antibody for anti-E. They then requested a blood sample from Randy. The perinatologist explained that on our blood cells we all have "labels." One is your blood type A, O, or B. One is your Rh factor: + or - . Another of those is the anti E or A or D or C etc., you get the picture. Well I have e, e on my blood cells. Randy has E, e on his. It's not a problem unless blood mixes. I'm anti-E, you see. Then my body would make an antibody to kill the foreign E, e labeled ones and have that antibody around just in case it sees any more E, e's. And that's what happened, apparently. The doctor's best guess is that Lucy inherited E, e from Randy and that when she was born there was some contamination. It is possible the other girls are e, e like me and that is why we didn't hear about this sooner (?).
Was that as clear as mud?
Anyway, right now the #'s of antibodies in my blood is at the lowest level. They will monitor the levels in my blood regularly to see if they increase--which would be an indication that this baby may have E, e and my body is mounting an attack on his blood. If my antibodies continue to increase they will monitor the baby with regular ultrasounds and check for signs of anaemia in the baby. If the baby develops problems, they can give him blood transfusions through the umbilical cord (Crazy, huh?!) until he's born. Once he's born my blood can't attack his anymore and all will be back to normal.
Any questions?
6 comments:
Urgh. My sister-in-law has this issue as well. She has 3 healthy kids though, and one on the way. I'm sure everything will be okay. Good luck, we'll be praying for you.
and CONGRATS on the boy!!!
That is crazy! I'm sure everything will be just fine though. Congrats on the having a boy! I bet randy is excited!
That was a bit confusing, but I think I get the basics. I hope that everything goes well! We'll keep you in our prayers. And congrats on having a boy! Trace is really excited for Randy.
wow...that sounds intense! I have the Rh factor issue and I have to get a shot around the middle of my pregnancy and then right after I deliver so that my antibodies don't attack the babies as well. We are praying that you do not have to go the transfusion route...and we're so excited for your little boy news!
yikes! like you need anymore stress! aren't you so grateful for modern medicine and the ability they have to know how to take care of stuff like this. i'll keep you in my prayers... think of you often. love your guts!
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