During my pregnancy, I was closely monitored because of my anti-D, anti-C, and anti-G antibodies. I had blood work and ultra sounds every 4 weeks. After 30 weeks I started to have weekly ultrasounds to watch for signs of anemia in my baby. My antibody titers never rose above 1:8, and all of her ultrasounds remained reassuring. We decided to schedule an induction for 37 weeks. 

When my daughter was born, we learned very quickly she had hemolytic disease of the newborn caused by my antibodies attacking her red blood cells during pregnancy. She was born with severe anemia and jaundice and spent her first days receiving two blood transfusions, two doses of IVIG, and intensive phototherapy. We were incredibly thankful she didn’t need an exchange transfusion.

We hoped the hardest part was behind us, but after coming home she developed late anemia and went on to need several more blood transfusions over the next few months. We were readmitted back into the hospital two more times. She was there a total of 6 weeks. She is now 3 months and there are still countless appointments, blood draws, feeding challenges, but she continues to fight through it all.

If I could say one thing to providers everywhere, it would be this: please prepare parents for what could happen, even if you don’t think it’s likely.
Throughout my pregnancy, I was told my antibody titers were low and my ultrasounds looked reassuring, which they did. But nothing prepared me for my daughter being born with severe hemolytic disease, needing blood transfusions, IVIG, intensive phototherapy, and months of follow-up care.
I understand that every pregnancy is different, and no one wants to cause unnecessary fear. But knowing the possible outcomes ahead of time would have helped me process what was happening, ask better questions, and feel a little less blindsided during one of the hardest moments of my life. Preparing families isn’t the same as frightening them—it’s giving them the knowledge they need if the unexpected happens.

I hope scientists continue researching better ways to predict which babies will be affected by maternal antibodies. My antibody titers stayed relatively low, and my ultrasounds were reassuring, yet my daughter was still born with severe hemolytic disease. Families deserve more accurate tools to understand their baby’s true risk. To other parents walking this road: trust your instincts, ask every question, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and your baby. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. You know your child better than anyone, and your voice matters.