What it is
Rh negative, a RhoGAM shot, an antibody screen: these come up at the first blood draw. Rh is a protein on red blood cells. About 15 in 100 people lack it. If you are negative and the baby is positive, and some of the baby's blood crosses into yours, your body can make antibodies that harm later Rh positive babies. RhoGAM, a shot of ready-made antibodies, stops your body from making its own.
What's typical
Your blood type and an antibody screen are checked at the first visit. If you are Rh negative, a RhoGAM shot is given around 28 weeks. If the baby is positive, you get a second shot within 72 hours of birth. You also get one after any bleeding, a fall, or a miscarriage.
What's known
ACOG recommends RhoGAM for all unsensitized Rh negative mothers at 28 weeks and after birth of an Rh positive baby. The shot has been used since 1968, and the disease it guards against is now rare.
What helps
- Keep a card or phone note that says you are Rh negative, for any ER visit in pregnancy.
- After any bleeding or a hard fall, call and mention your Rh status. The window for the shot is 72 hours.
- Ask whether your practice can test the baby's Rh type from your blood.
When to call someone
- Nowany vaginal bleeding, a car accident, or a hard fall on your belly.
- Todayyou are past 28 weeks and have not had the shot, or you gave birth and no one has mentioned it.
- At your next visitquestions about your antibody screen result.
Who helps
Tools: Due Date Calculator
Related
- Prenatal tests and ultrasounds: what each one isPregnancy: Your Body
- MiscarriageLoss and Complications
- Breech baby and turning optionsPregnancy: Your Body
- Ectopic and molar pregnancyLoss and Complications
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Practice bulletin on prevention of Rh D alloimmunization
- NHS — Rhesus disease: prevention
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