Anti-D injection after delivery

The maternity team checks the baby's blood group after birth and may assess whether a larger amount of fetal blood entered the mother's circulation. These results guide whether anti-D is needed and how much to give.

During delivery, a small amount of the baby's blood can pass into the mother's bloodstream. If the mother is RhD-negative and the baby is RhD-positive, her immune system may recognise the baby's red blood cells as different and make anti-D antibodies.

The injection contains anti-D immunoglobulin. It clears RhD-positive fetal red blood cells before the mother's immune system becomes sensitised. It does not change either person's blood group and is intended to protect later pregnancies rather than treat the newborn.

Tell the maternity team about earlier anti-D injections, blood transfusions, allergies, and any previous blood-group antibodies. Ask whether the baby's RhD result is available and whether you need an additional blood test after delivery.

Anti-D is commonly given by injection into a muscle soon after the need is confirmed. Mild soreness, redness, headache, or feeling unwell can occur. Keep the discharge record because it can help the team caring for you in a later pregnancy.

Get urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives, faintness, or a rapidly worsening reaction after the injection. Contact your maternity unit promptly for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fever, chest pain, or feeling suddenly very unwell after birth, whether or not you received anti-D.

Ask: What are my and my baby's RhD blood groups? Were antibodies found in my pregnancy blood tests? Do I need a test for fetal blood cells in my circulation? When will anti-D be given, and should it be recorded in my discharge documents?