Rh Sensitization During Pregnancy: When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

If you are already Rh-sensitized and are pregnant

Your pregnancy will be closely monitored. Discuss possible symptoms early in pregnancy with your health professional. Repeated diagnostic testing will be necessary to monitor the fetus.

Call your health professional immediately if you note a decrease in your fetus's movement after 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy.

If you are Rh-negative

Call your health professional immediately if you:

• Think you may have been pregnant and miscarried.
• Are pregnant and have had an accident that may have injured your abdomen.

Regular prenatal visits are essential. You will need an Rh immune globulin shot at 24 to 28 weeks and again after delivery if your baby has Rh-positive blood. This is the only way you can prevent Rh sensitization.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is not appropriate for Rh sensitization. It is important to keep all prenatal appointments so that your developing fetus can be closely monitored throughout your pregnancy.

Who To See

A woman who may have problems with Rh incompatibility or sensitization can be treated by:

• A family medicine doctor, for mild fetal Rh disease.
• An obstetrician, for mild to moderate Rh disease.
• A perinatologist, for moderate to severe fetal Rh disease (hydrops).

If you test positive for Rh sensitization, your health care system or health professional may want you to be followed and treated by a perinatologist or an obstetrician who can easily call in a perinatologist.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	November 02, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Gregory A L Davies, MD, FRCSC, FACOG - Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer