Anti-D immunoglobulin in pregnancy

Anti-D prophylaxis helps prevent a pregnant woman from developing antibodies against her baby's red blood cells. Anti-D immunoglobulin is given when an assessment confirms that it is needed. At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre in Gdańsk, we can assess eligibility and arrange the timing of the injection.

What does RhD incompatibility mean?

If a woman is RhD negative and her baby is RhD positive, exposure to the baby's red blood cells can trigger the production of anti-D antibodies. This is called sensitisation. These antibodies can cross the placenta and damage the baby's red blood cells, causing haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.

Different blood groups do not by themselves mean that the baby has this condition. Antibody test results and a clinical assessment are important. Prevention also matters in a first pregnancy and should not be left until a subsequent pregnancy.

Is anti-D immunoglobulin a vaccine?

Anti-D immunoglobulin is not a vaccine. It contains ready-made antibodies and provides passive prophylaxis. Its purpose is to reduce the chance of the mother's immune system making its own anti-D antibodies following exposure to RhD-positive red blood cells.

It is used for RhD-negative women who have not already become sensitised to the D antigen, when the baby is or could be RhD positive. It does not reverse established sensitisation or prevent every type of blood group incompatibility, such as ABO incompatibility.

When is anti-D immunoglobulin given?

• During pregnancy: routine antenatal prophylaxis in Poland is given at 28–30 weeks, after checking eligibility and antibody test results.
• After birth: if the baby is RhD positive and prophylaxis is indicated, anti-D is given as soon as possible, usually within 72 hours. The antenatal dose does not replace a postnatal dose.
• After a potentially sensitising event: an additional dose may be needed after bleeding, an abdominal injury or an invasive procedure such as amniocentesis.

After a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy or another specific event, the decision depends partly on the stage of pregnancy and the treatment involved. Contact your doctor promptly to establish whether anti-D is needed. If more than 72 hours have already passed, still seek advice: a clinician can assess whether prophylaxis may be appropriate.

Which test results and documents should I bring?

Bring your ABO and RhD blood group results, a current red cell antibody screen, your pregnancy records and details of any previous anti-D injections. Check with the doctor or reception team when the blood sample should be taken and which documents are required.

The blood sample for an antibody screen before planned prophylaxis should be taken before the injection. An earlier anti-D dose can cause passive antibodies to appear in the test. A positive result therefore needs to be interpreted alongside the date and dose of previous injections; it should not be taken on its own as evidence of sensitisation.

What happens when anti-D is administered?

After the assessment, anti-D is given by injection according to the product instructions and the doctor's recommendation. The dose depends on the clinical situation. Tell the clinician about allergies, previous reactions to blood-derived products and your medicines.

You may experience pain or tenderness at the injection site and occasionally temporary general symptoms. Allergic reactions are rare. Stay for the observation period recommended by staff after the injection.

Anti-D prophylaxis in Gdansk – appointments

Please arrange anti-D administration at Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre in advance so we can confirm availability, timing and the documents required. Contact our reception team on +48 58 719 10 25 or email kontakt@tartaczna2.pl.