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Warning-sign checks

Rh incompatibility: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if a baby has difficulty breathing, is hard to wake, has a seizure, becomes limp or develops blue or gray lips or skin.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your maternity service promptly if you are Rh-negative and:

    • Have vaginal bleeding
    • Experience a blow or injury to the abdomen
    • Have a miscarriage, abortion or suspected ectopic pregnancy
    • Undergo a pregnancy procedure
    • Think you missed a planned anti-D appointment

    Seek urgent assessment if fetal movement is reduced or has changed from its usual pattern.

    This symptom has many possible causes, but it should not wait for a routine visit.

    A newborn needs urgent medical assessment for jaundice during the first 24 hours, rapidly worsening yellow color, marked sleepiness, poor feeding or increasing paleness.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine pregnancy care early if you know you are Rh-negative, have previously had anti-D antibodies, or had a pregnancy affected by fetal or newborn anemia.

    Bring records from earlier pregnancies if they are available.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Rh incompatibility. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.