Question

For hemolytic disease of the newborn, what is given to moms to prevent this?

A) Antibiotics
B) Vaccines
C) Rho(D) immune globulin
D) Corticosteroids

Answer 1

To prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn in Rh-incompatible pregnancies, Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) is administered to the Rh-negative mother, dramatically reducing the incidence of the disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prevention of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

To prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), which can occur if an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus, the mother is given Rho(D) immune globulin, commonly known as RhoGAM. This treatment effectively stops the mother's immune system from producing antibodies against the fetus's Rh-positive blood cells. Rho(D) immune globulin is administered during the 28th week of pregnancy and within 72 hours after childbirth to prevent maternal antibodies from attacking fetal red blood cells, which can lead to anemia, brain damage, or even death of the fetus or newborn. The introduction of RhoGAM has significantly reduced the incidence of HDN, making it a critical intervention in prenatal care for mothers at risk.