Would an Rh (Rhesus) positive mother ever require RhoGAM (Rho(D) immune globulin) if the father is Rh (Rhesus) negative?

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From the FDA Drug Label

If the father can be determined to be Rho(D) negative, HyperRHO S/D Full Dose need not be given The mother would not need RhoGAM if she is Rh positive, regardless of the father's Rh status, as the drug is intended for Rh negative mothers.

  • The key factor is the mother's Rh status, not the father's.
  • Since the mother is Rh positive, she would not require RhoGAM [ 1 ].

From the Research

A mother who is Rh positive does not need RhoGAM when the father is Rh negative, as the risk of Rh alloimmunization is only a concern for Rh-negative mothers carrying an Rh-positive baby. RhoGAM is a medication that prevents the mother's immune system from developing antibodies against the Rh factor present in the baby's blood. When a mother is already Rh positive, she naturally has the Rh factor in her blood, so there is no risk of her developing antibodies against it 2. The Rh factor is inherited, and an Rh-negative father cannot contribute an Rh-positive gene to the baby. According to the most recent guidelines, RhoGAM is typically given to Rh-negative mothers at around 28 weeks of pregnancy and within 72 hours after delivery if the baby is confirmed Rh positive 3, 2.

Some key points to consider:

  • RhoGAM is only necessary when the mother is Rh negative and potentially carrying an Rh-positive baby 3.
  • The Rh factor is inherited, and an Rh-negative father cannot contribute an Rh-positive gene to the baby 3, 2.
  • RhoGAM is typically given to Rh-negative mothers at around 28 weeks of pregnancy and within 72 hours after delivery if the baby is confirmed Rh positive 3, 2.
  • The most recent guidelines provide revised guidance on Rh testing and Rh D immune globulin administration for individuals undergoing abortion or experiencing pregnancy loss at less than 12 weeks of gestation 2.

In this scenario, since the mother is Rh positive and the father is Rh negative, there is no need for RhoGAM, as the baby will not inherit the Rh-positive gene from the father 2.

References

Research

Prevention of Rh alloimmunization.

Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal d'obstetrique et gynecologie du Canada : JOGC, 2003

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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