Anti D antibody injection is given to Rh-negative mothers with Rh-positive fetuses. When the fetus' blood comes in contact with the mother's blood, D antibodies are produced in the mother's blood against the D antigens of the Rh-positive fetus (a protein present on the surface of red blood cells of Rh-positive people). This is known as sensitization. These antibodies pose a risk to the second child (if Rh positive), leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn (erythroblastosis fetalis), jaundice, anemia, etc. To prevent this, the anti D injections are given to the Rh-negative mother (with Rh-positive partner) in the 24th and 38th week of pregnancy or anytime after sensitization. These injections do not pose any complications to both mother and the baby.
Negative Blood Group and Pregnancy Rh Incompatibility
This article briefly describes the Rh-negative blood group, associated pregnancy complications, and preventions in simple terms.
