Final answer:
Rh immunoglobulin, such as RhoGAM, is important during pregnancy for Rh-negative mothers with an Rh-positive fetus to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). It's administered at 26-28 weeks and post-delivery and may be needed after events like antepartum hemorrhage and procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rh immunoglobulin administration is necessary during pregnancy in several specific events or procedures, notably when Rh factor incompatibility between an Rh-negative mother and an Rh-positive fetus is present. The Rh immune globulin, such as RhoGAM, is typically administered at weeks 26-28 of pregnancy and within 72 hours after birth. Its use is especially important in preventing hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). Besides routine administration, additional doses of Rh immunoglobulin might be necessary after events that could result in a transplacental hemorrhage, such as:
- Antepartum hemorrhage
- Procedures like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
- Abdominal trauma
- Umbilical blood sampling
These measures are crucial during the first pregnancy with an Rh-positive fetus to prevent sensitization, which could lead to the production of anti-Rh antibodies in the mother that are harmful in subsequent pregnancies with Rh-positive babies.