RhIg is an injectable drug given to pregnant people with Rh-negative blood during pregnancy. A simple blood test can determine your blood type and Rh status. This test usually happens during your first prenatal care visit.
This is called Rh incompatibility, or Rh disease. The Rh factor is a protein that can be found on the surface of red blood cells. If you have this protein, you're Rh-positive. While the pregnant person and fetus's blood systems are separate, there are times when the blood from the fetus can enter the mother's bloodstream. If the pregnant person is Rh-negative, their immune system treats Rh-positive fetal cells as an attack and responds by making antibodies to destroy them. This response is called Rh sensitization.
The antibodies in an Rh-sensitized pregnant person can cross the placenta and attack the fetus's Rh-positive blood. These antibodies can break down and destroy the fetus's red blood cells hemolysis , leading to anemia. This condition is called hemolytic disease or hemolytic anemia. An Rh-negative pregnant person will receive RhoGAM at several points throughout pregnancy when the Rh factor of the biological father is positive or unknown.
These include:. A dose of RhoGAM also may be needed:. At any time during your pregnancy, notify your healthcare provider immediately if you have vaginal bleeding or experience any abdominal trauma. You may need an additional dose of RhoGAM. 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. According to the product website , "RhoGAM prevents the Rh-negative mother from making antibodies during her pregnancy. As long as the Rh-negative mother receives RhoGAM appropriately during every pregnancy, her babies are at very low risk of developing [anemia].
Sheila Chhutani, M. The RhoGam does not cross the placenta and will not harm the baby. According to Dr. Chhutani, "The injection is typically given at 28 weeks gestation because it will last for about 12 weeks. One last dose of immunoglobulin will prevent the mother's body from producing antibodies that may place future pregnancies at risk. RhoGAM side effects are usually mild and don't harm the baby or affect breastfeeding. Less common side-effects can include allergic reaction, headache, joint or muscle pain, and fatigue.
If any of these are experienced, you should talk to your doctor. By Kristi Pahr Updated April 30, Save Pin FB More. By Kristi Pahr. Be the first to comment! But once your immune system starts to resp ond, there is a risk of hemolytic disease for future Rh-positive fetuses.
It is a serious condition that may cause jaundice, amenia, brain damage, or even heart failure. The production of antibodies can cause problems during pregna ncy. Therefore, surrogates should get a RhoGAM injection. It is a common treatment and injected into soft tissue or muscle, often in the backside. It is up to the doctor to decide on the best methods to administer this injection and how much the dose should be.
Once the shot is administered it will remain effective for about 13 weeks. This treatment helps to overcome the problems, and you need frequent blood tests to monitor Rh levels through the pregnancy. It is possible that a small amount of the baby's blood might enter the mother's bloodstream. It can result in blood mismatch and cause problems. The immune system treats the baby's blood cells as foreign and starts producing antibodies to eliminate them.
As long as the mother with Rh-negative gets RhoGAM shot appropriately during the pregnancy, there is a low risk of developing hemolytic diseases.
If you determine that you and your baby have Rh incompatibility , you need to get a RhoGAM shot at 28 weeks of pregnancy. The body of the woman starts making antibodies against these cells. Rh injection during the 26 to 28 weeks prevents the body from developing antibodies.
It is also necessary to inject a RhoGAM shot within 72 hours of delivery to prevent the risks that could affec t a future pregnancy. Each pregnancy and delivery require a separate dose and treatment. RhoGAM is a safe treatment and prevents the body from developing antibodies.
It also protects the baby from Rh diseases. However, there co uld be side effects of injection RhoGAM shots, which include:.
The serious side effects are chills, back pain, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, bleeding, and urinating less than usual. You need to consult the doctor if you face any of these side effects. There is a chance that other medicines may interact with RhoGAM and cause complications.
Tell the doctor about all the prescriptions you are using.
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