Does Rhogam need to be given postpartum if the baby is Rh positive?

The administration of Rh immunoglobulin, commonly known as Rhogam, is an important procedure for managing Rh incompatibility issues. If an Rh-negative mother gives birth to an Rh-positive infant, there is a risk that the mother’s immune system may be sensitized to the Rh factor. This sensitization can lead to the production of antibodies that can affect future pregnancies, potentially leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn in subsequent Rh-positive babies.

Rhogam is given postpartum to prevent this sensitization. If the baby is Rh positive, it implies that the mother may be at risk of developing antibodies against the Rh factor. Therefore, Rhogam is administered to ensure that the mother's immune system does not respond to the Rh-positive blood cells that may enter her circulation during childbirth.

This preventive measure is crucial as it protects both the mother and any future pregnancies. It is important to note that Rhogam is typically used for Rh-negative mothers; however, the context of the question emphasizes the situation following the delivery of an Rh-positive infant, necessitating the use of Rhogam postpartum to prevent any complications related to Rh sensitization.