02/12/2025
Understanding Anti-D in Pregnancy
If you’ve been told you’re Rh Negative, you might hear your care provider talk about Anti-D injections. Here’s what that means for you and your baby.
Your blood type includes something called the Rh factor. If you’re Rh Negative and your baby is Rh Positive, even a small mix of blood can prompt your immune system to create antibodies against those Rh Positive cells. This usually doesn’t affect the first pregnancy, but in future pregnancies these antibodies can cross the placenta and harm an Rh Positive baby. In severe cases, this can lead to Haemolytic Disease of the Foetus and Newborn (HDFN).
Anti-D injections help prevent this by clearing away any Rh Positive cells before your body recognises them as foreign. They’re usually given at 28 weeks, 34 weeks, and again after birth if your baby is found to be Rh Positive.
If you’re Rh Negative, we’ll talk through this fully in your appointments so you feel supported and informed every step of the way.
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