23/11/2025
Patient: What happens if a Rhesus-negative mother is pregnant with a Rhesus-positive baby?
Doctor: The first pregnancy is usually not affected. However, problems can arise in subsequent pregnancies if the mother becomes sensitized. That’s why we give an injection called Anti-D, an immunoglobulin that protects future babies. This is from the first pregnancy or even following a miscarriage or any bleeding that may have mix of blood from mother to baby.
Patient: When should I receive Anti-D?
Doctor: At 28 weeks of pregnancy and at birth. Other times, Anti-D is given in cases of miscarriage, bleeding, or other conditions that may lead to feto-maternal blood exchange.
Patient: What if I didn’t receive Anti-D during pregnancy?
Doctor: You’ll need close follow-up with your gynecologist or even a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist. Without Anti-D, complications may occur, such as:
• Fetal anemia
• Jaundice
• Heart failure in the baby
Walk in. Get tested. Get empowered. Walk out.
Because knowing your Rhesus status could save your future baby’s life.