Mercy at 12 Weeks

This week I have seen abundant mercy and grace poured out on me from the Lord.  Monday morning I started bleeding very heavily, which is not a good sign for a woman who is 12 weeks pregnant.  Thankfully, Josh happened to have the day off of work and so we immediately went to the doctor.  I wasn't having any cramping and I wasn't nauseated so I was somewhat optimistic.  As we sat in silence during the 35-minute drive to the doctor, the Lord brought many of his promises to my mind.  I was so blessed by these reminders of the Truth that I believe in.  Some scriptures included:

James 1:2-3  Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Colossians 3:15-17  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.   Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly

Romans 8:28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him

2 Corinthians 12:9  But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me

Psalm 121:1-2  I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Deut 31:8  The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

When we arrived at the doctor, they preformed an ultrasound...Praise the Lord, the baby looked good.  He/She was kicking like crazy and the heartbeat was really strong.  The doctors were concerned however because they were not able to identify the cause of the bleeding. In addition, they were concerned with the fact that I have a negative blood type (or no Rh Factor) and Josh has a positive blood type (presence of a Rh factor).  From what they told me, this can be very dangerous for a pregnant woman.  This combination (me being negative and Josh being positive) most likely results in a child who is Rh positive. Although the baby’s blood system and mine are separate, there are times when the blood from the baby can enter into my system or vice versa. This can cause my body to create antibodies against the Rh factor, thus treating an Rh positive baby like an intruder.   Long story short, my body’s immune system would attack the baby as if it were an infection causing my body to break down the red blood cells of the baby.  Results from this include anemia, other illnesses, brain damage, and possibly even death.

Basically what the doctors ended up doing was giving me an injection of RhIg (also known as Rhogam). This will help me by suppressing my ability to react to the Rh positive red cells. This means that my body will not be able to fight off any infections for awhile, but it will protect the baby a little better.  I will need to get this shot every 10 weeks and again immediately after the delivery of the baby.  

I can see so much grace in this, and I am so thankful both the baby and I are fine.  I think it’s amazing that the Lord has given doctors wisdom to know these types of things.  Please continue praying for mercy in this area. Pray that the Lord will protect the baby and me from getting sick since my body will not be able to fight off any infections. Most importantly, pray that I remember that it is the Lord who gives and takes away (Job 1:21) and that I will continue to glorify Him no matter what His will for my life is.