Pregnant and Rh negative after a crash impact to the belly

Insight from a maternal fetal medicine specialist

For survivors and families3 min read

Pregnancy and breastfeedingRh negative blood typeRh immune globulinPrenatal careImaging and tests

Rh is a protein that may be found on red blood cells. If you’re Rh negative, a blow to the belly can sometimes let fetal blood mix with yours. If the fetus is Rh positive, your body may make antibodies. Those antibodies can affect a future pregnancy. That’s why your blood type should be part of the crash checkup, even if you feel fine. [1]

Share what you know with the team

Say how far along you are and whether the belt or air bag hit your belly. Mention any pain or bleeding. Tell the team your Rh type if you know it. Also say whether you’ve already had Rh immune globulin during this pregnancy. [1, 2]

If you don’t know, ask whether you need blood typing and an antibody screen. Don’t assume an earlier routine shot covers this crash. [1, 2]

How the preventive shot works

Rh immune globulin is a shot that can stop new Rh antibodies from forming in patients who qualify. ACOG recommends it after an injury to the belly when it’s called for. It won’t help once a person is already sensitized, meaning their body has already made the antibodies. [1, 2]

The care team may use other blood tests to measure how much fetal blood crossed over. Those results help them decide on the dose. Ask that the decision and any shot be written in your record. [1, 2]

Keep the rest of your pregnancy care in view

Rh treatment can’t take the place of checks for injuries, contractions or problems with the placenta. Get urgent care for bleeding, belly pain, leaking fluid or a baby who is moving less. Share your crash records with your obstetric care team. [1, 2]

Blood type questions for your team

  1. What is my Rh type, and what did my antibody screen show?
  2. Do I need Rh immune globulin after this crash?
  3. What does my obstetric care team need for follow up?

Find your blood type record

Look for your prenatal blood type record, or ask the team to check your type. [1]

Sources and further reading

  1. 1ACOG, the Rh factor and pregnancy
  2. 2American Academy of Family Physicians, trauma in pregnancy

What you read here is general education from maternal fetal medicine. Get checked promptly after any crash during pregnancy. A doctor has to decide whether you need Rh immune globulin or testing.

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A parent kneels beside a young child at the curb next to the family car.