When we got the call with the results of the chromosomal abnormalities test and the gender, we also learned we are indeed ABO incompatible with this baby. We were ABO incompatible with Mykenzi too, but didn't know it until she was born.
ABO incompatibility is what happens when the Mother's blood type and the baby's blood type are different. Unlike the Rhesus Factor, no shots are given. While ABO incompatibility is common, most times it is rather mild unless the Mother is Blood Type O and the Baby is Type A or B, which is the situation we have found ourselves in. With this type of incompatibility we are at risk for Jaundice, sometimes the Jaundice can be so severe it can cause brain damage. We are at risk for anemia, if severe enough will call for a blood transfusion. And the most severe risk is fetal death. This happens when the Mother and the Baby's blood combine. The Mother's O blood deems the baby as a foreign and has antibodies that will cross into the baby's circulation and break down the baby's red blood cells. Most times the blood will only cross during miscarriage, trauma, and birth, but can cross for unknown reasons.
Sounds scary enough right? So how did Mykenzi fair? Well, we learned of the incompatibility with Mykenzi because she was jaundice. She was considered mild, so she required no photo-therapy to bring her levels down. Her Coombs test was negative, which meant none of my antibodies had crossed into her bloodstream. Now, days later this test can come back positive, so we had to follow up with her Pediatrician within 24 hours of being discharged from the hospital to have her re-checked. She checked out fine and we went on our merry way and proceeded to get pregnant again. What we didn't know when we got pregnant again is that my husband's blood type will always be dominant over mine, meaning our children will always reflect his blood type and we will always battle an ABO incompatibility during pregnancy.
With Mykenzi's reaction being so mild, we figured we were in the clear with Baby B2, but apparently subsequent pregnancies react worse the more you have. This is because blood can cross during birth. With 15.5 hours of hard labor and a c-section, the chance our blood paths crossed is pretty high, so my body has already built up antibodies against this blood type. These antibodies are strong enough to cross the placental wall and get to the baby before delivery and break down the red blood cells making the risk for jaundice and anemia worse.
So, what does all this mean for us and Baby B2? Well, unfortunately, we won't know anything until delivery. We'll keep check of the baby to make sure he's healthy and growing on track. We got a strong heartbeat at our appointment yesterday, so that was reassuring. The goal is to not freak out for the next 6 months, which is easier said than done. We will have to prepare for a NICU stay. It's not a guarantee we'll end up in the NICU, but we shouldn't be surprised if we do end up in there. My Doctor is confident in my ability to bake a healthy baby, so it really just waiting to see what happens in the delivery room, or operating room in my case. I wanted to attempt a VBAC but the risks are too high, and with this incompatibility I almost feel like it's safer to have a repeat c-section. So, if you have any extra good ju ju floating around, please send it my way! I'm scared shitless, but am trying to keep my stress levels to a minimum for the next 6 months. I'm trying to remember HE is in control and He has a plan for me and this baby.
Anybody have ABO compatibility where you (the Mother) was type O? Were your subsequent pregnancies worse?
Oh Jen - I am so sorry you're going through this stress! I will say some prayers and send all the good ju ju I can your way! You're a strong mama! If you need ANYTHING, I am here for you! Even if it's just a minute to vent!
ReplyDeleteHow scary! Sounds like you have a good team of doctors working with you to ensure the safest pregnancy possible. I agree that the best thing you can do for that little guy is remain calm and trust. I'll be thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteI feel like these genetic tests are a blessing and a curse. When pregnant with Noah, Stonekings office told us we were had a high rate of him having Downs Syndrome. In the weeks that followed we cried, stressed, cried some more. And when he was born he was beautiful and healthy. Looking back I often wished I'd never known because I'd wasted so much of that special time worrying. So try not to worry. Lol, easier said than done right? All 3 of mine had severe jaundice. Gavin and Georgia the worst. Georgia and I were in the hospital for 5 days due to hers. With daily visits from the neonatalogist. Hang in there momma.I have faith you and baby are going to be just fine. I'm sending lots of love, hugs and prayers!
ReplyDeleteI am O+ and all of mine were B, Lillian was B- and the boys are B+. (Brandon is B-) But I've not heard of this. Is there something that makes it more risky than just blood type? Neither my doctor nor the hospital said anything about ABO incompatibility. Just that we were in the clear because I was already Rhesus positive. Asking not to question you, but because genetics is like my favorite subject ever, and I find it fascinating!
ReplyDeleteAlthough all of mine were jaundiced now that I think about it. Lillian even needed photo therapy. The boys just barely avoided it.
DeletePraying for you and your precious boy. I have no experience with this but am thinking of you and have a feeling you will have a strong little fighter on your hands :-)
ReplyDeleteThat must have been a really scary discovery. We didn't have this particular problem, but Caleb did have a somewhat bad case of jaundice which required frequent blood draws for the first couple weeks of his life. I have a good feeling that you will have an awesome and strong little boy, especially because his sister is just perfect even though you had the incompatibility. Thinking of you guys!
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ReplyDeleteYes, I am type O and my husband type A. Our oldest daughter is now a type A. My first pregnancy was very rough, but that was due to my being a lifelong type one diabetic. She was born a quick, natural birth 5 weeks early and did have a mild case of jaundice like you described with Mykenzi. When our second child came around 10.5 years later that pregnancy was no where near as rough as my first pregnancy and she did not have jaundice or anemia. She was however, a month premature (due to my diabetes) so she did spend a few days in NICU because her lungs weren't as developed as they needed to be at delivery. All in all they are both perfectly healthy and it all worked out. I hope that gives you a little reassurance that things can work out. I'll keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI've never even heard of this! Definitly scary and you are in my thoughts, I know your sweet baby boy will be perfect! Oh and I've had 3 c's so don't be worried about that part :)
ReplyDeleteSending lots of hugs and prayers you're way!
ReplyDeleteYou are so strong! So glad you've had a healthy pregnancy thus far and prayers that it will continue through delivery!
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