When is Anti-D injection given to pregnant women and why is it required? Read on to know all the importance of Anti-D injection which is given during pregnancy?Most of us are aware of the fact that there are primarily four main blood groups: A, B, AB and O. Along with these blood groups, we are assigned a
Rhesus (Rh) Factor, as Positive (+) or Negative (-). According to National Health and Research Council, 85% of the population of the world have the factor and are recognized as Rh factor positive, whereas the remaining 15% do not have this factor and are assigned Rh factor negative.
It is important for pregnant women to have the same Rhesus status as there baby’s. In case there’s a mismatch between your Rhesus status and your baby’s, then you will need to get an Anti-D injection to safeguard your newborn.
Blood Types and Rhesus Factor
We inherit our parent’s qualities and physical characteristics. Similarly, your new born baby inherits your blood group and the Rh factor. If an Rh negative woman becomes pregnant with a baby from an Rh positive man, there is a possibility that her baby will be an Rh positive as well. During
delivery and
the birth process, the mother might face a serious health concern. Some of the foetus’s red blood cells from the blood can get mixed into the mother’s blood stream, leading to the development of anti-bodies against her own baby’s blood. These anti-bodies can cross the placenta and may harm the immunity of the baby. If left untreated, the new born may acquire Anaemia, Jaundice or Brain damage leading to death. This collection of medical disorders is termed as “Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn” or “HDN” and can be cured with Anti-D injection.
What is Anti-D Injection and Who Needs It?
Anti-D injection is prepared from the plasma obtained from human blood donated by donors free from disorders like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV. The resultant serum is treated to deactivate harmful viruses and can be used to administer to pregnant women for ensuring the mother and baby’s safety. The only mothers who need an Anti-D injection are those who have a negative Rh factor whereas their baby is an Rh positive. Giving Anti-D injection to a pregnant woman with a different Rh factor than her baby’s can make help her stop making anti-bodies during birth. It is perfectly safe for both the mother and the baby and can also provide protection for subsequent births.
When Will You be Given Anti-D Injection?
Usually, your obstetrician or midwife will give you the Anti-D injection right after your baby’s birth. But if you experience signs like spotting, painful abdominal cramps or recently had a medical procedure done like amniocentesis, then you will be given the injection prior to birth. The injection is generally administered into the muscle of arm or leg. If you have bleeding problems, then the injection will be administered under the skin. Obstetricians generally advise to get an Anti-D injection between 28-30 weeks of
pregnancy for the baby’s safety.
What are the Side Effects of Anti-D Injection on the Mother and the Baby?
There are no potential side effects of Anti-D injection on both the mother and the baby. After the doctor administers the injection into a muscle in your arm or leg, you might feel slight tenderness or stiffness at the site of injection. This gradually passes away. Other than that, there are no serious health threats of this injection on the mother. Similarly, there is no scientific evidence that Anti-D injection can harm your baby.
If you and your baby don not share the same Rh factor, your obstetrician may opt to give an Anti-D injection to you. The only case in which you may not need the injection is if you choose to be sterilized or you will not be having any more children. But if you want to get pregnant again, it is best to get the Anti-D injection for your safety and your baby’s. If you have any concerns or doubts about Rh factor or Anti-D injection, you must surely discuss it with your obstetrician.
What is an Anti-D injection? Who needs an Anti-D injection and when? Why is an Anti-D injection given during pregnancy? Discuss here. 
