When is rhesus status checked in a rhesus negative pregnant woman?

In a rhesus negative pregnant woman, rhesus status is assessed at 28 and 34 weeks of gestation. This timing is particularly important because it allows healthcare providers to monitor for the potential development of Rh sensitization, which can occur if the mother is Rh negative and the fetus is Rh positive.

At 28 weeks, administering Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) is a standard practice to prevent the mother from forming antibodies that could harm Rh-positive fetal blood cells. The follow-up check at 34 weeks serves to ensure that the mother's blood remains Rh negative and is critical in preparing for delivery, especially if there is a risk of Rh incompatibility.

This protocol is based on guidelines that aim to reduce the risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in future pregnancies. It is important to adhere to this timeline to maintain the health of both the mother and the baby, and to prevent complications associated with Rh incompatibility. Other options suggest incorrect timings that do not align with these established protocols.