Is anti-D injection necessary in the second pregnancy?

Question

Hello Doctor

I have one child, and my blood group is O negative. I received an Anti-D (anti-Rhesus D immunoglobulin) injection during my first pregnancy. I am now pregnant with my second child and do not plan to have a third. Is it still necessary to receive another Anti-D injection during this second pregnancy?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You still need an Anti-D injection during your second pregnancy, even if you do not plan to have a third child. Your blood group is O negative, which means you are Rh-negative. If your baby is Rh-positive, something that can happen if the baby’s father is Rh-positive, your immune system might recognize the baby’s red blood cells as foreign and begin producing antibodies against them. The anti-D injection, also known as Rho(D) immune globulin, helps prevent this immune response. Without it, your body could develop antibodies that cross the placenta and attack the baby’s red blood cells, leading to a serious condition called hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). This can harm your current baby, not just future pregnancies. That is why it is important to receive the anti-D injection at key times during pregnancy, typically around 28 weeks, within 72 hours after delivery if your baby is Rh (Rhesus factor)-positive, and any time there is a risk of fetal blood mixing with yours, such as during bleeding, miscarriage, amniocentesis, or trauma.

I do understand your concern. I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at icliniq.

Thank you.