What is administered to Rh-negative mothers at 28 weeks?

Rho-Gam, also known as Rh immunoglobulin, is administered to Rh-negative mothers around 28 weeks of gestation as a preventative measure against Rh sensitization. In cases where the mother is Rh-negative, if her blood comes into contact with Rh-positive blood from the fetus, it can lead to the formation of antibodies against the Rh factor. This sensitization is particularly concerning in subsequent pregnancies, as it can result in hemolytic disease of the newborn, where the mother's immune system attacks the red blood cells of the Rh-positive fetus.

By giving Rho-Gam at 28 weeks, healthcare providers can prevent the mother's immune system from recognizing fetal Rh-positive blood cells as foreign, thereby significantly reducing the risk of sensitization. This prophylactic treatment is part of routine prenatal care for Rh-negative women and is crucial for ensuring safer outcomes for both the mother and future pregnancies.

The other options listed, such as vitamin K, steroids, and ferrous sulfate, serve different purposes in pregnancy. Vitamin K is important for coagulation, steroids might be used to accelerate fetal lung maturity in case of preterm labor, and ferrous sulfate is a supplement for iron deficiency anemia. However, none of these address the specific concern of preventing Rh sensit