Medical Health Encyclopedia

Fetal-maternal erythrocyte distribution

Rh disease is much more common in second and subsequent Rh-incompatible pregnancies, because the mother's and baby's blood usually do not mix until delivery.

This test determines the amount of blood that has been exchanged between the mother and fetus. All Rh-negative pregnant women should receive this test during their first prenatal visit, and subsequent visits as needed.

This test also helps determine how much of a drug called RhoGAM should be administered. RhoGAM will attack the fetal cells in the mother's blood stream and prevent her from developing antibodies in response to her baby's blood.

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