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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. I would like to know if you have any information on risk to the unborn child exposed to Rhogam.

A. Right now there is no real information on the risks to the unborn from prenatal Rhogam. There is only speculation that there might be negative effects to the fetus. This has not been born out through any research to my knowledge though and therefore prenatal RhoGam is generally assumed to be safe. Rh- mothers are offered prenatal RhoGam routinely as a precaution against sensitization, but it is really her preference. Your caregiver best knows your circumstances and will be able to advise you. However, RhoGam must be administered after the birth of the child, or after a miscarriage or abortion; otherwise there is a risk of future pregnancies being endangered.

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.