What is an RhD negative Blood Type?
Blood is classified by two combined systems, the ABO system (blood types A, B, AB or O) and the Rh type (positive or negative). Your blood and everyone's blood can be classified by these two systems
Why is RhD negative blood group important in pregnancy?
If your blood type is one of the RhD negative types and you are pregnant with a baby who is RhD positive there can be medical implications if, for any reason, there is a mix of babies blood with yours during the pregnancy. This mixing of blood can cause your body to make antibodies against your baby’s blood. In the current pregnancy it is rare for this to cause immediate concern but can have a major impact on future pregnancies with a baby that has a RhD positive blood type, including anaemia, brain damage and even death. If your body makes antibodies, there is about a 70% chance that your next pregnancy will be affected. Having an injection of RhD immunoglobulin (Anti-D) can prevent your body from producing these antibodies.
Only after the birth can your baby's blood group and type be confirmed, and as a result, all RhD negative blood type women are recommended to have Anti-D as a form of prophylaxis in the 28th and 34-36th week of pregnancy. There may also be reasons to administer other doses specific to events in an individual pregnancy.
How and when can a baby's blood mix with that of the mothers?
During invasive tests during pregnancy (e.g. chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis)
If there is vaginal bleeding, a miscarriage or in the event of termination of pregnancy
Abdominal trauma or injury(e.g. a blow to the abdomen, or falling onto the abdomen)
During external cephalic version. This may be a procedure recommended to turn a breech presentation.
During labour or birth
There are occasions where there is no obvious cause.
How can you tell what your baby’s blood group is?
After birth, a small amount of your baby’s blood is collected from the umbilical cord. This is sent to the laboratory to find out their blood type.
Is RhD immunoglobulin safe?
RhD immunoglobulin is made from the plasma (liquid part of blood). As with all blood products in Australia the donors and donations are screened to reduce the risk of transmitting any diseases. There is no evidence to suggest that RhD immunoglobulin can harm your baby when given during pregnancy.
Very rarely a woman may be allergic to RhD immunoglobulin. Some lesser reactions do include, pain or irritation at the injection site, nausea, dizziness and or headache, but these are not common.
If you are concerned or have questions about having RhD immunoglobulin, talk to Dr. Petrina or your chosen health provider.
Blood is classified by two combined systems, the ABO system (blood types A, B, AB or O) and the Rh type (positive or negative). Your blood and everyone's blood can be classified by these two systems
Why is RhD negative blood group important in pregnancy?
If your blood type is one of the RhD negative types and you are pregnant with a baby who is RhD positive there can be medical implications if, for any reason, there is a mix of babies blood with yours during the pregnancy. This mixing of blood can cause your body to make antibodies against your baby’s blood. In the current pregnancy it is rare for this to cause immediate concern but can have a major impact on future pregnancies with a baby that has a RhD positive blood type, including anaemia, brain damage and even death. If your body makes antibodies, there is about a 70% chance that your next pregnancy will be affected. Having an injection of RhD immunoglobulin (Anti-D) can prevent your body from producing these antibodies.
Only after the birth can your baby's blood group and type be confirmed, and as a result, all RhD negative blood type women are recommended to have Anti-D as a form of prophylaxis in the 28th and 34-36th week of pregnancy. There may also be reasons to administer other doses specific to events in an individual pregnancy.
How and when can a baby's blood mix with that of the mothers?
During invasive tests during pregnancy (e.g. chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis)
If there is vaginal bleeding, a miscarriage or in the event of termination of pregnancy
Abdominal trauma or injury(e.g. a blow to the abdomen, or falling onto the abdomen)
During external cephalic version. This may be a procedure recommended to turn a breech presentation.
During labour or birth
There are occasions where there is no obvious cause.
How can you tell what your baby’s blood group is?
After birth, a small amount of your baby’s blood is collected from the umbilical cord. This is sent to the laboratory to find out their blood type.
Is RhD immunoglobulin safe?
RhD immunoglobulin is made from the plasma (liquid part of blood). As with all blood products in Australia the donors and donations are screened to reduce the risk of transmitting any diseases. There is no evidence to suggest that RhD immunoglobulin can harm your baby when given during pregnancy.
Very rarely a woman may be allergic to RhD immunoglobulin. Some lesser reactions do include, pain or irritation at the injection site, nausea, dizziness and or headache, but these are not common.
If you are concerned or have questions about having RhD immunoglobulin, talk to Dr. Petrina or your chosen health provider.
