Rh incompatibility
Alternate Names : Rh-induced hemolytic disease of the newborn
Prevention
Rh incompatibility is almost completely preventable. Rh-negative mothers should be followed closely by their obstetricians during pregnancy. Special immune globulins, called RhoGAM, are now used to prevent RH incompatibility. If the father of the infant is Rh-positive or if his blood type cannot be confirmed, the mother is given a mid-term injection of RhoGAM and a second injection within a few days of delivery.
These injections prevent the development of antibodies against Rh-positive blood. However, women with Rh negative blood type must receive this injection: - During every pregnancy
- If they have a miscarriage or abortion,
- After prenatal tests such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus biopsy
- After injury to the abdomen during a pregnancy
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