Final answer:
RhoGAM is administered during weeks 26-28 of pregnancy and within 72 hours after birth to prevent Rh-negative mothers from developing antibodies against Rh-positive fetal cells, which can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in later pregnancies.
Step-by-step explanation:
RhoGAM, an Rh immune globulin, is crucial for preventing the development of Rh antibodies in Rh-negative mothers, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in subsequent pregnancies with Rh-positive fetuses. To avert maternal sensitization, RhoGAM is typically administered to Rh-negative pregnant individuals during weeks 26-28 of pregnancy and within 72 hours following birth. It is also given after any pregnancy-related procedure that may result in fetal blood mixing with maternal blood, such as amniocentesis or abdominal trauma.
Prior to these interventions, the incidence of HDN was about 13-14 percent without preventive treatment. After the introduction of RhoGAM in 1968, the rate dropped significantly, demonstrating the effectiveness of this prophylactic treatment in reducing the risks associated with Rh incompatibility between mother and fetus.