Fortunately, sensitization to the Rh factor can be prevented if the mother does not become sensitized in the first place. To do this, an Rh-negative woman is given Rh immunoglobulin (Rhlg) near the 28th week of pregnancy to prevent her from producing antibodies. If her baby is Rh-positive, the mother will be given another dose shortly after delivery. Repeat doses of Rhlg are given with each pregnancy and birth of an Rh-positive baby. This course of detection and prevention makes the deadly erythroblastosis fetalis completely preventable today. Not all pregnancies are smooth sailing. If you find yourself in a problem pregnancy, be sure to get good medical care and follow your doctor’s instructions. As medical science improves, more and more previously fatal or permanently damaging conditions have become controllable and even harmless. That’s the good news.
