What role does Rho-Gam serve during pregnancy?

Rho-Gam is a medication that plays a crucial role during pregnancy, specifically in preventing Rh sensitization. Rh sensitization occurs when an Rh-negative mother is exposed to Rh-positive blood, which can happen during pregnancy or delivery. If the mother becomes sensitized, her immune system may produce antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells in future pregnancies. This can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in subsequent pregnancies, which can be life-threatening for the fetus.

Rho-Gam works by administering Rh immunoglobulin, which binds to any Rh-positive fetal red blood cells that may have entered the maternal circulation, effectively masking them from the mother’s immune system. This prevents her body from recognizing the cells as foreign and developing antibodies against them. Administering Rho-Gam at specific times during and after pregnancy, such as around the 28th week of gestation and again within 72 hours after delivery if the baby is Rh-positive, significantly reduces the risk of sensitization.

On the other hand, Rho-Gam does not increase fetal lung maturity, manage hypertension, or control bleeding disorders. These actions are outside the scope of what Rho-Gam is intended to do in the context of pregnancy.