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. 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. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www. You should talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. RhoGAM has the longest half-life of any anti-D product. Download this patient brochure for information on Rh sensitization, hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn HDFN , and how RhoGAM may help protect you and your baby.
If the father or baby is not conclusively shown to be Rh-negative, RhoGAM should be given to a Rh-negative mother in the following clinical situations to prevent Rh immunization:. You should be observed for at least 20 minutes after administration. Numerous tests have been applied in the plasma collection process and specific viral inactivation steps have been added to the manufacturing process to minimize the risk of transmission of diseases, but all risk cannot be eliminated.
Your healthcare provider should provide you with a completed Patient Identification Card for you to retain and present to other healthcare providers. Skip to main content. FAQs What does Rh stand for? What does it mean to be Rh-negative? Can the antibodies my immune system produces hurt my baby?
How does RhoGAM work? Will my unborn baby be harmed by the antibodies in RhoGAM? Please see the Full Prescribing Information for a full list of indications and dosing schedules. What does half-life mean? What if my baby inherited my Rh-negative blood? What are the most common side effects? Who should not take RhoGAM? Be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including: If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction or a severe response to human immune globulin.
If you have an immunoglobulin A IgA deficiency. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure. Your recent history of vaccinations. What other potential risks should I be aware of?
What happens if my doctor doesn't stock the one and only RhoGAM? In that case, your doctor may suggest a shot of Rh immunoglobulin — commonly known in the U. Rh factor is a type of protein often found on the surface of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. But not everyone has it. Most people are Rh positive. Negative Rh factor occurs in about 15 percent of white people, between 4 and 8 percent of Black people and 0.
This symbol indicates whether or not the Rh factor is in your bloodstream. Rh incompatibility happens when an expecting mom is Rh negative and her baby is Rh positive. This can lead to potential complications especially if you become pregnant with another Rh positive baby in the future because your immune system will mount an attack against those Rh positive red blood cells. RhoGAM is the injection used to treat Rh incompatibility during pregnancy.
If you test Rh positive, the shot isn't necessary. If you undergo chorionic villus sampling CVS or amniocentesis , or if you experience bleeding during pregnancy or any trauma where you could be exposed to fetal cells, your doctor may give you the RhoGAM shot at another point in your pregnancy.
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