Rhogam administration during pregnancy is indicated for which maternal-fetal Rh combination?

Rhogam administration during pregnancy is indicated for which maternal-fetal Rh combination?

• A. The mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive.
• B. The mother is Rh-positive and the baby is Rh-negative.
• C. The mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-negative.
• D. The mother is Rh-positive and the baby is Rh-positive.

Answer: (A)

The scenario aims to prevent Rh sensitization in an Rh-negative mother carrying an Rh-positive fetus. When Rh-positive fetal red cells enter the mother’s circulation, her immune system can become sensitized and form anti-D antibodies, which can harm future pregnancies. Rhogam is anti-D immunoglobulin given to the Rh-negative mother to bind any Rh-positive cells in her blood before her immune system can respond, effectively preventing the antibody formation. This makes it indicated when the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive. It’s not needed if the mother is Rh-positive or the baby is Rh-negative, since there’s no risk of sensitization in those cases.

The scenario aims to prevent Rh sensitization in an Rh-negative mother carrying an Rh-positive fetus. When Rh-positive fetal red cells enter the mother’s circulation, her immune system can become sensitized and form anti-D antibodies, which can harm future pregnancies. Rhogam is anti-D immunoglobulin given to the Rh-negative mother to bind any Rh-positive cells in her blood before her immune system can respond, effectively preventing the antibody formation. This makes it indicated when the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive. It’s not needed if the mother is Rh-positive or the baby is Rh-negative, since there’s no risk of sensitization in those cases.