When is rhogam given

The presence or absence of the rhesus protein really only matters when you're pregnant with your second or subsequent child. Keep reading to learn the reason, and figure out what to expect if you need a RhoGAM shot. Think of antibodies as little warrior cells who go off to do battle against invading forces.

Any time you are exposed to an antigen, your body produces antibodies specific to that antigen, so if it attacks again, your immune system is ready to fight it off. This is why your Rh factor isn't an issue during first pregnancies. It isn't until second and subsequent pregnancies, when antibodies are already built up, that Rh incompatibility can cause problems.

Indeed, these antibodies can cross the placenta and attack your baby's red blood cells. This can cause your baby to develop anemia , and in severe cases, result in miscarriage. Since you and your baby don't share circulation, there are only a few points during pregnancy that fetal blood can come into contact with maternal blood.

Tami Prince, M. To prevent complications, "it is critical that an Rh-negative woman be treated with Rh immunoglobulin if bleeding occurs in order to prevent antibody formation," Dr. Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm.

What is Rh factor? Rh incompatibility. Why RhoGAM is used. Common side effects of RhoGAM. Risks of the RhoGAM shot — and not getting it. Costs and options. The takeaway. Parenthood Pregnancy Pregnancy Complications. Second Trimester Pregnancy Complications. Read this next. Rh Incompatibility. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. If you are Rh-negative, most doctors will advise that you get a RhoGAM shot after you've experienced a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or other pregnancy loss.

Getting a RhoGAM or other Rh immune globulin shot is a precaution against a situation called Rh incompatibility, which could affect future pregnancies and cause hemolytic disease in the newborn. A RhoGAM shot is given to inject Rh-positive proteins, which prevent you from developing certain antibodies that make you sensitized to RH-positive blood. It is often given to those who have experienced pregnancy loss to prevent future pregnancy loss.

If you are Rh negative , meaning that your blood does not contain the Rh factor protein, your doctor will probably recommend that you get an Rh immune globulin shot such as RhoGAM within 72 hours of the start of your bleeding. It is still a good idea to get it within the recommended time span if you can, as it makes the small risk of Rh sensitization even lower.

There's much more evidence on the shot's necessity after a later pregnancy loss or after giving birth. If you are concerned, you can ask your doctor about a blood test to check for RH sensitization so that you can set your mind at ease. Rh factor is a protein that the majority of people carry in their blood. Injecting the antibodies is safer than risking sensitization. Originally, recommendations were to give the injections to women who had given birth. The recommendations then changed to include a RhoGAM shot around 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Soon after you give birth, your baby's blood will be tested for the blood type and Rh type. All medications carry the risk of some side effects. The most common adverse reactions of RhoGAM include:. Allergic reactions to RhoGAM may occur. You should be observed for at least 20 minutes after your injection. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include:.

If you're worried about getting the RhoGAM injection because it is made from donated human plasma, keep in mind there's minimal to no risk of contracting diseases like HIV or hepatitis because the donated plasma is thoroughly screened and treated. In fact , one in five Rh-negative pregnant people will become sensitive to the Rh-positive factor if they don't receive RhoGAM.

There is a very rare chance that you will have an allergic reaction to the RhoGAM, but the chance of developing Rh sensitization is much higher than the risk of problems from the RhoGAM shot. RhoGAM should not be used if you are Rh-positive or if you have had a severe allergic reaction to human immune globulin.

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including:. RhoGAM is an injectable drug given to pregnant people with Rh-negative blood during pregnancy. It is generally safe, but if you're concerned, speak with your healthcare provider. Finding out that you and your baby may be Rh incompatible can be worrying. But know that the RhoGAM shot is a safe and effective way to prevent potential problems—both now and for future pregnancies.

If you think you may be pregnant and have an Rh-negative blood type, you should talk with your healthcare provider to determine the best plan. If the father of your child is Rh-positive or his blood type is unknown, receiving preventive treatment with RhoGAM will prevent serious effects. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Oklahoma Blood Institute.

Scientific facts - you and your blood type.