What is Anti-D?
Rhesus disease is a condition which may affect the unborn
baby. It gives rise to anaemia (low blood count) in the baby,
usually late in pregnancy. It is a condition which occurs in
partners with incompatable blood groups.
Approximately 85% of the Australian population have a Rhesus
(Rh-D) positive blood group and 15% a (Rh-D) negative group.
When a Rh-D negative patient becomes pregnant by a Rh-D
positive partner there is a 1 in 4 chance that the baby will
be Rh-D positive. If the baby's Rh-D positive blood cells
pass into the mother's bloodstream (as may occur at amniocentesis
or chronic villus sampling (CVS) then the mother may produce
antibodies against these cells. These antibodies may destroy
the baby's own blood cells and thus cause anaemia.
If the mother is given an injection of Anti-D within 72
hours of the procedure (amniocentesis or CVS) then the baby's
cells which have entered her bloodstream may be neutralised
and thus harmful antibodies are not produced.
It is therefore routine practise to offer all Rh-D
negative mothers Anti-D after amniocentesis or CVS.
It is important that we know your blood group at the time
of your amniocenesis or CVS. If you do not know your blood
group please ask your doctor for this information prior to
your appointment.
Because Anti-D is a blood product (extracted from blood
donated by someone else), it carries a small risk of transmitting
viral or other infections. In Australia however, the screening
of such blood products is stringent and such transmissions
are extremely rare.
Anti-D is given by injection usually into the buttock or
arm after the amniocentesis or CVS. You will be asked to sign
a consent form to receive this injection.
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