An Rh-negative woman is pregnant with her third child. She received little or no prenatal care during the first two pregnancies. Her anti-D titer is 1:512 at 30 weeks of gestation. What is the likely outcome for the baby?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The high anti-D titer indicates a high amount of maternal antibodies directed against the Rh factor. This puts the fetus at risk for Rh hemolytic disease of the newborn, which can result in severe anemia, jaundice, and even death if not treated. It is important for the mother to receive Rh immune globulin during this pregnancy and any future pregnancies to prevent the development of these antibodies. The other choices are less likely given the information provided.

An Rh-Negative Woman Is Pregnant with Her Third Child