​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​What is Rh immune globulin?

Rh immune globulin (WinRho) is a blood product that is given when you’re at risk of forming antibodies. This can happen if you’re Rh negative and are pregnant, or could someday become pregnant. Antibodies are proteins your body makes to protect itself when it reacts with something that it doesn’t recognize.

These antibodies can form with:

• pregnancy
• a miscarriage
• an abortion
• an amniocentesis or chorionic villous sampling (CVS)
• trauma (such as a car accident) during pregnancy
• a blood transfusion

What does it mean to be Rh negative?

There are 4 different blood types (A, B, AB, and O). There’s also an antigen called the Rh factor. If you have the Rh factor on your cells, you’re Rh positive. If you don’t have the Rh factor on your cells, you’re Rh negative.

Only about 15 out of 100 people are Rh negative. Being Rh negative has no effect on your general health, but can cause problems during pregnancy.

How does being Rh negative affect pregnancy?

If you’re Rh negative, your body makes antibodies if your blood is exposed to Rh positive blood. This can happen during pregnancy or with a blood transfusion.

If you’re pregnant, some of your baby’s blood may come in contact with your blood. This is normal. If this happens, antibodies can form.

If you’re pregnant and Rh negative and your partner is Rh positive, then your baby might be Rh positive too. You’re then at risk for making Rh antibodies.

What can happen to my baby if I have Rh antibodies?

Antibodies can cross the placenta and cause a problem for your baby. This is called hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). HDN can cause:

• low hemoglobin causing anemia (fewer red blood cells)
• toxins in the blood causing jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
• brain damage
• death

What can I do to lower the risk of HDN?

HDN can be prevented more than 9 out of 10 times if you’re Rh negative with injections of Rh Immune Globulin (RHIG). In Canada, the product used is called WinRho.

When is RhIG given?

RhIG is given when:

• you’re 26 to 28 weeks pregnant, and when you deliver if your baby is Rh positive
• you have certain tests, treatments, or procedures (such as amniocentesis or chorionic villous sampling) during your pregnancy
• you have some kind of physical trauma or injury (such as a car accident) and get an unmatched blood transfusion

Do I need RhIG every time I get pregnant?

RHIG is given with each pregnancy. It helps protect your baby in each of your pregnancies.

Once your body makes antibodies, they don’t go away. Every time you get pregnant, the risk to your baby is more serious.

What are the risks of RhIG?

RhIG is a blood product. Steps are taken to make it safe.

• All donors are tested for viruses (such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C).
• The product is filtered and treated to kill any viruses that may be present.
  

RhIG has been used in Canada since 1968 with very few serious effects reported. If you have questions, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.

What if I choose not to get RhIG?

If you don’t get RhIG, there’s a 3 in 25 chance that your body will make Rh antibodies that can harm your baby. The risk goes up with each pregnancy.

What are the side effects of RhIG?

Most people who get RhIG don’t have side effects. Rarely, RhIG can cause:

• pain at the injection site
• fever (temperature over 38.5 °C or 101.3 °F)
• feeling weak and unwell (malaise)
• a headache
• an allergic reaction (such as hives) which is usually not bad and goes away quickly

Is there any other way to prevent HDN?

RhIG is the only way to prevent HDN caused by the Rh factor. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.