Rho(D) immune globulin should be administered after events with potential fetal bleeding, such as which procedure?

Rho(D) immune globulin should be administered after events with potential fetal bleeding, such as which procedure?

• A. After events with potential fetal bleeding, such as amniocentesis
• B. Only after a vaginal delivery
• C. Only if the newborn is Rh-negative
• D. Only during a cesarean delivery

Answer: (A)

Rho(D) immune globulin prevents the mother’s immune system from forming antibodies against Rh-positive fetal red cells by neutralizing any fetal Rh-positive cells that enter the maternal bloodstream. This is why it’s given after events that could cause fetal bleeding, such as amniocentesis. The goal is to stop sensitization before the mother’s immune system encounters the fetal cells and mounts an antibody response. Timing matters—administer as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of the event. It isn’t limited to vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery, and it isn’t dependent on the newborn’s Rh status being known; what matters is the mother’s Rh-negative status and the possibility of fetal-maternal blood mixing.

Rho(D) immune globulin prevents the mother’s immune system from forming antibodies against Rh-positive fetal red cells by neutralizing any fetal Rh-positive cells that enter the maternal bloodstream. This is why it’s given after events that could cause fetal bleeding, such as amniocentesis. The goal is to stop sensitization before the mother’s immune system encounters the fetal cells and mounts an antibody response. Timing matters—administer as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of the event. It isn’t limited to vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery, and it isn’t dependent on the newborn’s Rh status being known; what matters is the mother’s Rh-negative status and the possibility of fetal-maternal blood mixing.