Rhesus Negative Pregnancy

Question 1

What happens in rhesus negative pregnancy?

Answer 1

Rhesus -ve mother carries anti D antigen
If they deliver Rh +ve child then a leak of foetal red blood cells may occur
Causes antibodies to develop in mother
This can cross placenta in later pregnancies causing haemolysis in pregnancy

Question 2

How is this prevented?

Answer 2

Test for D antibodies in all mothers

Anti- D provided at 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy

Question 3

When should Anti-D be given?

Answer 3

Delivery of Rh +ve infant
Any termination of pregnancy
Miscarriage >12 weeks
Surgical management of ectopic
ECV
APH
Amniocentesis/CVS
Abdominal trauma

Question 4

What tests should be done?

Answer 4

All babies born to Rh -ve mother should have cord blood taken for FBC, blood group and Coombs test

Question 5

What are signs of an affected foetus?

Answer 5

Oedematous- hydrops foetalis
Jaundice
Anaemia
Heart failure
Kernicterus

Treat with transfusions/UV phototherapy