Medically reviewed for accuracy.
Did yourinitial round of prenatal bloodworkreveal that youre Rh negative?
That could mean that you and your baby are Rh incompatible.
While the term Rh incompatibility may sound serious, the treatment is simple and low-risk.
Heres what to expect if you need a RhoGAM shot.
What is the Rh factor?
But not everyone has it.
If you carry the protein, youre Rh positive.
This symbol indicates whether or not the Rh factor is in your bloodstream.
O+ blood, for instance, has the Rh factor, while O- blood does not.
Whether youre Rh positive or negative doesnt matter much, except when it comes to pregnancy.
What is Rh incompatibility?
Rh incompatibility happens when an expecting mom is Rh negative and her baby is Rh positive.
Thats why your doctor will test your Rh factor early on in pregnancy.
What is RhoGAM?
RhoGAM is the injection used to prevent Rh incompatibilityfrom developingduring pregnancy.
Like other shots, RhoGAM is injected into your arm or backside.
Do I need the RhoGAM shot during pregnancy?
If you test Rh positive, the shot isn’t necessary.
Getting a RhoGAM shot is the best way to prevent any possible complications from Rh incompatibility.
(If its determined that your baby is Rh negative too, you wont need the shot.)
When should I get the RhoGAM shot?
You wont, however, need a RhoGAM shot after achemical pregnancy.
Are there side effects or risks of the RhoGAM shot?
The side effects associated with the RhoGAM shot are rare and mild.
Know that the shot has saved hundreds of thousands of babies lives.
Finding out that you and your baby may be Rh incompatible can be a little worrying.
