Question

why would an Rh negative mother during her first pregnancy take RhoGam (an anti-Rh antibody that can bind and eliminate any blood cell containing an Rg factor)? Likewise, what complications could arise if the mother does not take RhoGam and when would these complications most likely occur?

Answer 1

Answer

• When a Rh negative (do not contain Rh antigens) mother conceives Rh positive baby, after the delivery of fetus, mother's plasma forms antibodies against Rh antigens.
• The fisrt baby is normal and do not face any consequences.
• The complications occur when this mother conceives a Rh positive baby for second time, the antibodies in mother's palsma may recall Rh antigens as foreign antigens and cross placenta to attack red blood cells of the fetus.
• Destruction of red blood cells leads to hemolytic disease of new born which can be fatal for the fetus.
• Hence, RhoGam is provided to Rh negative mother during her first pregnancy.
• RhoGam prevents formation of antibodies against Rh antigens.