Overview
1. Introduction
Rh immune globulin is a preventive medication used in pregnancy and postpartum care to reduce the risk of RhD alloimmunization.
Rh immune globulin is a preventive medication used in pregnancy and postpartum care to reduce the risk of RhD alloimmunization. It is given to an RhD-negative, non-sensitized pregnant or postpartum client when exposure to RhD-positive fetal red blood cells is possible or confirmed. Current Canadian guidance supports routine antepartum and postpartum RhD immunoprophylaxis because it reduces RhD alloimmunization risk in the postpartum period and in subsequent pregnancies. The RN-level priority is not simply memorizing “give RhIg at 28 weeks.” The RN must understand why it is given, who qualifies, what labs must be checked, when additional doses may be needed, how sensitizing events change care, and why documentation matters for blood-product safety.