Rhesus Negative (Anti-D) and What It Means For You
This is important because you may need treatment to prevent rhesus disease. This can happen during pregnancy if you are rhesus negative and your baby is rhesus positive.
Being rhesus negative is not a problem in your first pregnancy. But if you have more babies, there is a risk as anti-D antibodies can attack the baby’s red blood cells.
Although this is very rare, if it happens your baby may need treatment after birth or even before they’re born. It can cause the baby to become anaemic and develop newborn jaundice. Rhesus disease is uncommon because it can usually be prevented using injections of a medication called ‘anti-D immunoglobulin’ or ‘anti-D’.
When Is Anti-D Given?
Anti-D may also be offered after anything happens that might trigger your immune system to attack your baby’s red blood cells. This could be a bleed or bump to the abdomen such as a fall or a car accident, or an invasive medical procedure. You will need to tell your midwife if something like this happens to you.
As with all medicines, it is your choice whether or not to take it. Some people may need time to consider this as Anti-D is a blood product.
