RHO IMMUNE GLOBULIN download

Your obstetrical team and physician have recommended that you receive an injection of RHo (D) Immune Globulin (Human).

This information sheet explains why the injection is important to you and your future children.

The RH Factor
Early in your pregnancy, a sample of blood was taken to determine your blood type. The Rh factor is part of the blood type inherited from your parents. If you have the Rh factor, your blood type is Rh positive. If you do not have the Rh factor, you are Rh negative.

The Immunization:
If you are Rh negative and have delivered an Rh positive baby or had a miscarriage, abortion, placental, trauma, or amniocentesis, tiny amounts of Rh positive cells from the baby gain entrance into your circulation. These cells may cause you to develop antibodies against the Rh factor. These antibodies could be very harmful to your current pregnancy and/or future children who are Rh positive. Once developed, your antibodies to the Rh factor could destroy the red blood cells of future babies, causing anemia, jaundice (yellow skin), brain or central nervous system damage.

Prevention:
It is best to prevent these antibodies from developing. Rho (D) Immune Globulin (Human) has been shown to be effective in protecting mothers from this potential hazard.

Once injected, it makes its way into your bloodstream and helps prevent your body from developing antibodies to the Rh factor.

It is recommended that you receive an injection of Rhogam at 28-32 weeks of gestation during your pregnancy and another dose after delivery and/or miscarriage/trauma.