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Anti-D immunoglobulin
anti-D injection · Rh immunoglobulin · RhoGAM shot · Rh negative in pregnancy
This is an injection for a woman with Rh-negative blood. It protects the baby from Rh disease in this and future pregnancies.
If the mother is Rh-negative and the baby may be Rh-positive. Usually around 28 weeks, after birth, and at other times as your doctor decides.
⏱ Duration: the injection takes 1 to 2 minutes; afterward you are watched for about 30 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Test. Your blood is usually checked for antibodies before the injection.
- Food. No special prep is usually needed. Eat as usual.
- Clothes. Wear comfortable clothes. The injection is usually in the upper arm or buttock.
What to bring
- Your pregnancy record
- Your antibody test results
- Your ID
How it goes
- The doctor checks your tests and how far along you are
- The nurse confirms your name and the medicine
- The injection is given into a muscle
- You stay at the clinic for half an hour to be watched
- The date of the injection is noted in your pregnancy record
What you'll feel
- A quick prick
- The injection site may be a little sore for a day or two
Afterwards
- After the injection, your antibody test may sometimes become positive. This is expected
- After birth, your baby's blood is checked for Rh type
- If your baby is Rh-positive, you usually get another injection within 72 hours
Contact a doctor straight away if
- A rash, a swollen face, or trouble breathing: call emergency services
- Bleeding or belly pain during pregnancy
Common questions
Why get the injection in a first pregnancy?
It protects both this pregnancy and future ones. The risk is already there in the first pregnancy.
Is the injection dangerous for my baby?
Usually not. It is given to protect your baby.